Styrofoam is a trade name of a polystyrene foam product used for housing insulation. But for most people, it is commonly known as the plastic used for disposable coffee cups, spoon and fork, sandwich and hamburger boxes used by fast food outlets and dining establishments. But there are hundreds of other uses for this multifaceted plastic. From rigid polystyrene mobile phone casing to floral and craft products and building materials, Styrofoam plays an important part in everyday life of millions of people. You may not realize it but the world has depended so much on expanded polystyrene foam products. Convenient, handy, easy to produce and reliable, this hard-working plastic is simply everywhere.
Expanded polystyrene is the most widely used among foam styles. Eco-friendly and recyclable into concrete, egg cartons, office products, garbage bins and foam insulation, this flexible, durable material can be re-used and recycled again and again. Because of alarming and growing environmental woes, concentrated efforts are being taken to reduce use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), an ozone-depleting chemical compounds. Consequently, major polystyrene foam products manufacturers are focused on developing environmentally-friendly blowing agents that will not damage the ozone in the troposphere. Blowing agents are utilized in the manufacturing process of polystyrene-based products.
For decades expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been used as superior shipping and packaging materials. Moldable into virtually any size and shape, it provides unmatched cushioning and shock-absorbing properties necessary for perishable and fragile items. It can easily meet required density to deliver sufficient cushioning needed for various delicate articles. When shipping demands temperature controlled environments, expanded polystyrene offers high resistance to heat flow, making it a top choice for packaging produce, pharmaceuticals and perishables. Expanded polystyrene is also nearly impervious to water and moisture and gives zero capillary action and is equally resistant to chemicals. Dimensional stability is likewise a significant property of EPS as it practically maintains its original form and dimension even when exposed to changing environmental conditions.
