EPS

EPS is a lightweight, rigid foam plastic made by expanding tiny beads of polystyrene with steam until they fuse together into a foam structure that’s mostly trapped air (often 95-98% air by volume). It’s the white, rigid foam most people instantly recognize, often called by trade names like Styrofoam (though that’s technically a specific brand of a related but different product).

Main applications.

EPS’s biggest use is protective packaging, those molded foam blocks and inserts that cushion appliances, electronics, and fragile goods during shipping. It absorbs shocks well and is cheap to mold into custom shapes.

Disposable cups, takeout containers, egg cartons, and meat trays are commonly made from EPS because it insulates well and is inexpensive, though many regions are phasing these out due to environmental concerns.

EPS rigid foam boards are widely used to insulate walls, roofs, and foundations. They’re lightweight, moisture-resistant, and provide good thermal insulation at low cost, making them popular in both residential and commercial building.

EPS is the classic material for picnic coolers, fish and produce shipping boxes, and medical/vaccine cold-chain packaging, since it keeps contents cold or hot for extended periods.

It’s also used in flotation devices (buoys, docks, surfboard cores), geofoam for lightweight fill in road and landscape construction, and craft or display models, since it’s easy to cut and shape.