The Science
When polystyrene is exposed to a gaseous blowing agent, it expands into a foam, which is Expanded Polystyrene or EPS. We all use this product everyday - to-go cups, takeout containers, beverage coolers - they're all made of EPS. EPS has a low thermal conductivity due to the millions of voids of trapped air, what this means is hot stays hot and cold stays cold.

Everyday Uses
Because EPS is strong and lightweight it makes an excellent construction material. Architects have used EPS for years as non-load bearing pillars in buildings, museums and homes. It's also often used  on movie sets and in theatres as props and backgrounds. It is a cost effective way to add architectural detail.

The Benefits of EPS

Lightweight
EPS weighs only one pound per cubic foot not surprising as it consists of 95% air.

Durable
The cellular structure of EPS makes it dimensionally stable and therefore it does not deteriorate, rot or warp with age like wood.  It's also not susceptible to attack by pests such as rats or termites.

Versatile
EPS can be manufactured to almost any shape or size to suit any application. 

Ease of Use
For building and construction applications, EPS is considered to be one of the easiest materials to install on site.

EPS and the Environment
Used polystyrene has no impact on the environment even in landfill sites or in incinerators, nor does it contain substances that could pollute the air or soil. EPS has never contained CFC (chlorofluorocarbon), HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon), or HFC's (hydrofluorocarbon), which are harmful to the earth's ozone layer.