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Q3 : How is EPS made?
EPS is produced from solid beads of polystyrene with added pentane. Expansion is achieved when heat in the form of steam is applied to the raw material. This results in the gas expanding and forming closed cells of EPS. These cells occupy approximately 50 times the volume of the original polystyrene bead. By comparison this would be the same as expanding a tennis ball to the size of a basketball. When EPS has been expanded it consists of 98% air and 2% polystyrene. As a single polymer material, it is easy to recycle.

Q4 : What is Styrofoamâ„¢?
The word Styrofoamâ„¢ is actually a trademarked term for closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam XPS made for thermal insulation and craft applications. Styrofoamâ„¢ belongs to Dow Chemical which relates to XPS. It was discovered in 1941.

Q5 : What are the benefits of using EPS for packaging?

• EPS/Expanded Polystyrene. This is the most common foam for hot wiring as it is strong, lightweight and cuts very easily with a hot wire or hot knife. It is usually white and is made of tiny foam bubbles. It’s often used for packaging.

• XPS/Extruded Polystyrene. This is usually a denser foam that is very smooth and although the cuts are slower than EPS they are very clean and smooth. Some examples of XPS foam are Styrofoam, Owens Corning Pinkboard (Foamular), and DOW Blueboard.