EPS and our environment

EPS is expanded polystyrene, made up of about 2% polystyrene and 98% air. This basic raw material arrives at our door in the shape of very small beads. Heating them with steam expands the beads in a mold.

A small amount of pentane gas in the bead is under pressure, and wants to expand once heated and as the polystyrene begins to soften. After the bead is expanded, the pentane gas readily escapes, and then biodegrades through microbial digestion. The expanded polystyrene beads remain as air filled closed cells that have a high resistance to thermal energy transfer, and therefore are used to produce efficient insulating materials.

EPS is completely stable and inert. It is hypoallergenic, important for those with sensitive skin. We do not use CFC or HCFC blowing agents that would escape into the atmosphere. This means ZERO O.D.P. (Ozone Depletion Potential). Since EPS is expanded to approximately 50 times its original volume, it is a very efficient and economical use of a basic raw material.

Because EPS is such a simple and stable molecule, it does not readily combine with other products to form new compounds. It doesn't degrade in normal circumstances, and just quietly does what it was made to do for as long as it was intended.

EPS IS BEING RECYCLED

Industry and government are developing new alternatives to solid waste disposal problems, and there are some excellent EPS solutions. Each geographic area will have a different approach to this, of course, and some are further along than others.

For our part, Beaver Plastics has developed some ideas, including a win-win solution for our seedling container customers.Click on our Silviculture page to read all about Styrolite and Styrogrit.

EPS FOR YOUR HEALTH

EPS can be excellent for your personal environment too. Beaver Plastics has developed products for the construction market, which make for cleaner, healthier homes. For example, when INSULWALL is used in exterior wall cavities instead of glass fibre batts, the insulation value of the wall is much improved as well as eliminating a source of fibre and organic gasses. And since EPS does not degrade or rot or slump over time, it is permanent insulation – for the life of your home.

For further information on environmental issues or any concern regarding expanded polystyrene and our products, please give us a call. Our customer service representatives would be pleased to answer your questions.

Additional information on EPS in our environment can also be obtained by contacting the EPS Molders Association, at www.epsmolders.org.