About EPS

Expanded Polystyrene, or EPS for short, is a simple material with a unique combination of qualities. It offers high resistance to the passage of heat energy - it is a very effective insulator. It is also economical, offering high R-value per dollar.

Expanded foams (EPS) are commonly known as bead boards. The raw material is a small bead. These are heated with steam and the softened plastic expands as the pentane gas trapped in the plastic beads expands. These pre-expanding beads are then cured during an aging process. The cured beads are than introduced to a mould where further contact with steam softens and expands the beads to fill the mould cavity and fuse the beads tightly together. The moulded foam can be in large rectangular blocks that are further processed by cutting with hot wires into standard-sized sheets or custom-cut billets. This is known as block molding. The basic EPS blocks are cut and shaped to produce a variety of TrueFoam sheet, board and panel products including TrueWall, TrueFit, FoundationPlus/Sheathing, InsulWall, and others.

For certain TrueFoam products, such as Reward Wall ICFs and Styropack shipping containers, the polystyrene is shape moulded during final expansion.

EPS is structurally rigid and stable, yet very light. It is very easy to cut and shape using the simplest of tools. It produces no irritating fibres or annoying dust. EPS products make the job quicker for both contractors and do-it-yourselfers.

EPS insulation doesn't change or deteriorate over time. EPS sheets and panels cannot sag or bunch. EPS insulation is unaffected by freeze-thaw cycles and cannot rot or mould. EPS insulation's R-value is permanent.

EPS insulation is very resistant to the passage of water, yet it "breathes." Vapour passes through, which avoids condensation buildup within walls. This prevents a serious problem which can arise with other insulation systems. Due to the rigid closed-cell structure of EPS, there is no possibility of air movement inside the wall which can lead to heat loss in loose or blanket materials. 

Click here for additional information from the EPS Industry Association (EPSIA).

Product Performance... Environmental Protection

Low Thermal Conductivity

EPS containers protect contents against sudden temperature changes better than competitive materials, such as cardboard. The insulating properties of EPS help maintain product quality and reduce wastage, making EPS containers the natural choice for your products and the environment.

Lightweight Packages

The lightweight nature of EPS containers results in lower shipping costs and less impact on the environment than competitive materials.

The protective qualities of EPS helps lower your overall packaging costs by reducing product wastage.  This is another performance advantage that benefits both the processor and the environment.

Chemically Inert

EPS containers can be safely used for food packaging.

Strength and durability are completely retained even on direct contact with water

As with other protective characteristics of EPS containers, it's ability to retain it's integrity following direct contact with water helps reduce wastage and in turn lower your costs of packaging and benefit the environment.

EPS is 100% Recyclable