Jun. 22, 2022
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight and completely recyclable material. It has various applications in packaging and insulation. EPS can be moulded to virtually any shape, giving unlimited freedom to designers.
EPS is one of the most cost-effective protective packaging materials available and is used all over the world to protect goods from transit damage. It possesses an extraordinary combination of lightness, rigidity and shock absorption, which is why EPS is used to package various white goods and other fragile products.
EPS is used widely for low temperature thermal insulation because of its low thermal conductivity and closed cell structure (most other thermal insulation materials have open cell structures which makes them vulnerable to moisture penetration). Because EPS has no taste or odour and does not harbour fungi, it is used extensively in the packaging of pharmaceutical products, such as vaccines, where stringent temperature ranges are required to be maintained.
EPS is also used to make internal components for the air-conditioning and refrigeration industries. Earlier, these parts were made by gluing insulation materials on to a metal sheet but they have been now replaced by EPS because it possesses both rigidity and the required insulation properties, and can be moulded in one piece.
EPS is now used for the packaging of agricultural products in India and various countries. Fruits such as grapes, pomegranates, papayas, mangoes and many others, and various types of vegetables, are conveniently packed and stored in EPS containers. The marine industry also uses EPS insulated boxes extensively to stock fish and other seafood.
Furthermore, industrial products require highly durable, safe, inert and lightweight material handling systems. These products are often expensive and, therefore, any damage to these products causes huge losses. It has been found that EPS can be used for packaging industrial products such as bottled alcohol and acids. In addition EPS is also used to make pallets that can be used for transportation of industrial products both within and outside a manufacturing facility.
Another useful application of EPS is in construction. Its high thermal insulation makes EPS an excellent material to use in the construction of walls and ceilings. Additionally its high sound absorption makes it the ideal choice for sound-proofing.
A more recent application of EPS is as “Geofoam” in landfills. EPS’s lightweight, water resistance, dimensional stability and inert nature make this application possible.
EPS is also used to manufacture internal components for vehicles in the automotive industry. The purpose of using EPS is to fill spaces that would otherwise be occupied by metallic components which are extremely heavy and weigh down the vehicle. EPS reduces the overall weight of the vehicle making it much easier and safer to drive.
Request a Quote
