If you’ve ever wondered exactly what’s in EPS (expanded polystyrene) here are the answers.
What is EPS?
EPS is a rigid closed cell/cellular plastic resin made from petrochemicals derived from crude oil. The resin is incorporated via a blowing agent, pentane gas (C5H12). Steam softens the plastic resin causing the pentane to expand the plastic into beads at least 40 times their original size. Amazingly, EPS is about 98% air and 2% polystyrene.
EPS was invented in Germany in 1949 by BASF scientist Dr.Fritz Stastny. It has been used for packaging since 1958 in the form of eps box,eps foam etc.
Advantages of EPS Packaging:
It protects your products: EPS has outstanding shock absorbency and compression, which provides excellent protection properties.
It’s Durable: The exceptional durability of EPS makes it an effective and reliable protective packaging for all sorts of fresh food and other goods. There is no loss of strength in damp conditions, making EPS ideal for coolstore products. The material is moisture resistant, and the highest hygiene requirements are met.
It’s Lightweight: EPS is made up of 98% air, which makes for a very lightweight material which does not significantly add to the weight of the total product. This means that fuel costs are reduced and fuel emissions are lower than with alternative, heavier packaging materials. The reduction in emissions means less impact on global warming.
It Insulates your products: The thermal insulation properties of EPS help keep food fresh through the distribution chain. Worldwide, it is widely used to package EPS Box, vegetables and fruit – and for seed trays where it assists in the growth of the plants. It is also used by the pharmaceutical industry to package items that are temperature sensitive and that need to be transported around the world.
It’s Versatile: EPS can be moulded into any shape or form to meet your product’s protection and insulation needs. A small amount of EPS provides a whole lot of protection for your valuable stock.
