Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded polystyrene (XPS) are both made from polystyrene. Whereas EPS is composed of small plastic beads that are fused together, XPS begins as a molten material that is pressed out of a form into sheets.  EPS and XPS are thermoplastic foams that offer a wide array of properties, from thermal insulation to shock absorption, making them essential components of various applications. 

What is Expanded Polystyrene?

Expanded polystyrene, or EPS, is a lightweight plastic foam produced from expandable beads of polystyrene. It has been a material of choice for more than 50 years, because of its versatility and unique combination of qualities. EPS consists of 98% air; it has excellent insulation and shock-absorbing properties.

Applications

EPS is used in many everyday applications, including:

  • Food packaging to maintain the temperature of hot or cold food and prevent spoilage
  • Packaging
  • Crash helmets
  • Windsurfing boards
  • Thermal insulation in buildings
  • Sound insulation
  • Road construction.

What is Extruded Polystyrene?

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a thermoplastic polymer. XPS is produced from the same base materials as EPS but, unlike EPS, it has a closed cell structure and is often stronger, with a higher mechanical performance. 

XPS shows outstanding thermal insulation properties as well as high compressive and mechanical strength. It is also lightweight, inert to water, and shock resistant.

Applications

XPS is used in various applications, namely: 

  • Thermal insulation in buildings & vehicles
  • House appliances components (e.g. Insulative liner for refrigerators)
  • Food packaging to maintain the temperature of food and protect it from shocks