Sustainability of Expanded Polystyrene Foam in Australia

Expanded polystyrene foams are efficient insulators with zero CFCs in both their makeup and manufacturing process. Polystyrene is made by stringing together styrene, a building-block chemical used in the manufacture of many products. Expanded polystyrene is a foam derivative that is processed through the polymerization of resin granules in a steam machine. The resin expands up to 40 times the original volume at 80°C to 100°C using a minimal amount of pentane, in preference to CFCs and HCFCs. After a maturing period, the elastic beads undergo final steam-heating within a mould, resulting in expanded polystyrene foam.

Styroboard™ expanded polystyrene sheets (EPS) by Foamex is the premium choice for high-quality expanded polystyrene foam. EPS is lightweight yet highly durable for insulation, as well as construction, shipping and packaging. It can be easily installed into the building framework, such as in cold storage rooms, ceilings, under slabs, and roofs for long lasting service. EPS can also be recycled for a variety of applications in both the household and workplace to cut down on landfill waste.

Why use Expanded polystyrene foams?

Expanded polystyrene foams are on the rise with the prevailing global advocacy for environmental conservation. The Australian construction industry have jumped on the bandwagon by lessening the use conventional building methods in favour of more sustainable options.

The 2005 World Summit on Social Development identified environmental protection as the third and ultimate pillar of sustainability that, along with social and economic development, enables the Earth to support human life. The construction of infrastructure is a key component to developing society, but nonrenewable materials and irresponsible practices may leave detrimental effects on nature.