The Material
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight foam
material made by the polymerisation of styrene,
an oil derivative which is also found in foods such
as strawberries, nuts and beans. EPS by volume is
approximately 98% air and therefore the styrene
content is extremely low.
The Manufacturing Process
Solid granules of polystyrene are impregnated with
Pentane a blowing agent. The granules are then
heated with steam which causes them to expand to
over 40 times their original volume. The EPS beads are
then moulded into whatever form is required.
Depending upon the density of the material, the
primary energy needed to manufacture one cubic
metre, equates to the heat saved in 6 months, when
the same volume is used for insulation.
Environmental Impact
Pentane is a non toxic hydrocarbon. The BRE has
confirmed that Pentane causes neither ozone
depletion nor global warming. It therefore has an
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a Global
Warming Potential (GWP) of Zero.
Unlike some other foam materials EPS does not
use ozone damaging CFC’s or HCFC’s in the
manufacturing process.
EPS has been subjected to a life cycle assessment
(LCA) by the BRE. LCA measures all the impacts
associated with the manufacture, transportation, use
of fuels and production of wastes over the life cycle
of the product. The BRE Ecopoints score for 1 square
metre of EPS insulation over 60 years (cradle to grave)
is 0.043.
Further details of this evaluation are available on the
BRE web site at http://cig.bre.co.uk/envprofiles . The
Ecopoint score is then transposed into an A, B or C
rating in the BRE Green Guide. EPS has an A rating
(Low Environmental Impact).
Note: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is sometimes confused with
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) with CO2. This material only achieves
a C Rating in the BRE’s Green Guide.
Recycling/Recovery
EPS is fully recyclable. Clean material can be
reground and mixed with virgin bead to form
insulating grade sheet.
Alternatively, contaminated EPS can be melted,
filtered and degassed and used in the manufacture
of items such as plant pots and coat hangers, or as
a wood substitute for park benches, fence posts or
decking.
Energy Recovery
The Calorific value of EPS available for heat recovery
is slightly more than that of coal. It is, therefore, an
ideal material for use in modern incinerators and aids
the burning of municipal waste. The fumes are non
toxic and are not harmful to the environment. The
energy gained can be used for local heating and the
generation of electricity.
Conclusion
Expanded polystyrene is an efficient and effective
thermal insulation material which can help in the
reduction of CO2 emissions and make a positive
contribution to the alleviation of global warming.
Further information is available from www.eumeps.org
or Cordek’s Technical Department on 01403 799600
www.cordek.com
Cordek Limited
Spring Copse Business Park
Slinfold
Above: An example of EPS in use for West Sussex
the construction of a new visitor’s RH13 0SZ
centre at the Cliffs of Moher. England
