Environmental

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) contains approximately 98% air, and 2% polystyrene, which explains it’s light weight. EPS is produced from styrene monomer, a derivative of crude oil.

Steam is the only substance consumed in the processing of EPS. It is used to heat and expand the beads (raw material), aided by the pentane gas within the beads. Steam is also used to heat the expanded beads in the moulding process and allow them to mould into the required final shape. Water is also used in this process, but it is filtered and reused.
Expanded Polystyrene does not contain CFCs, and therefore has no effect on the ozone layer. There are no harmful by-products created in this process.

In use, EPS has positive environmental benefits. When used as thermal insulation, EPS significantly reduces energy consumption in both heating and cooling applications. These savings exist for the life of the application. In food packaging applications EPS allows the safe transportation of fresh food, ensuring it reaches it’s destination without deterioration or waste.

EPS waste is 100 percent recyclable.

For more information on EPS and the Environment go to: www.plastics.org.nz