ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Properties of EPS
It has been estimated that the effective application of EPS insulation could cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50%.
Light Weight
EPS is an extremely lightweight material which is not surprising considering it is comprised of ~98% air. This characteristic makes it ideal for use in packaging as it does not significantly add to the weight of the total product thereby reducing transportation costs. Energy consumption for transport fuel is also reduced and vehicle emissions minimised – all contributing to lower global warming.
Durability
The exceptional durability of EPS makes it an effective and reliable protective packaging for a wide range of goods. The cellular structure of EPS makes it dimensionally stable and therefore does not deteriorate with age. EPS is also odourless and non-toxic. Its non-reactive nature ensures that EPS packaging does not interact with or contaminate the products it safeguards.
Moisture Resistance
EPS is a closed cell material and does not readily absorb water. There is no loss of strength in damp conditions, making EPS ideal for cool-chain products. The material is moisture resistant, so the highest hygiene requirements are met. The ability of EPS to resist moisture also lends itself for use in fishing floats and marina buoys. Even when subjected to prolonged saturation in water, EPS will still maintain its shape, size, structure and physical appearance with only a slight reduction to its thermal performance.
Thermal Efficiency
The superior thermal efficiency of EPS makes it ideal for packaging any product that is sensitive to temperature change. Products enclosed in EPS containers can be maintained for long periods at temperature above or below ambient conditions and can be protected from sudden temperature changes that can occur in the transport through different climatic zones. Examples include fresh produce and seafood as well as pharmaceutical and medical products.
Shock Absorption
EPS exhibits excellent shock absorbing characteristics making it the first choice for packaging of a wide range of products including appliances, electronic products, computers and chemicals. Its ability to absorb and distribute impact forces effectively ensures that fragile items remain protected during transportation and handling. Moreover, EPS’s lightweight nature adds an additional advantage by minimizing overall package weight, reducing shipping costs, and enhancing fuel efficiency.
Versatility
EPS can be manufactured to almost any shape or size, or it can be easily cut and shaped when required to suit any application. EPS is also produced in a wide range of densities providing a varying range of physical properties.
These are matched to the various applications where the material is used to optimise its performance. In addition, EPS is also compatible with a wide variety of materials.
Ease of Use
For building and construction applications, EPS is considered to be one of the easiest materials to install on site. It is normally supplied in sheet form however can also be moulded into shapes or in large blocks. Additionally, EPS’s versatility allows for easy customisation to meet specific project requirements, whether it’s cutting the sheets into desired shapes or creating intricate architectural designs through molding techniques.
