Who’s up for a game of Fact vs. Fiction? We promise to keep it simple (and you won’t even have to turn in your answers at the end). Here we go!
Fact or Fiction? EPS stands for expanded polystyrene and it’s the most recognizable form of foam in the market today.
FACT. You may not know it by the term “EPS,” but you have definitely seen it before. This foam is very common in our everyday lives; used for items such as your disposable plate at the potluck, the coffee cups at the church social and even your carry-out container from the restaurant last night (sometimes those portions are just too big for one sitting!) But EPS is also very important in categories we think about less often, namely packaging. When you order that new TV or computer, EPS foam cushions that expensive electronic so it doesn’t arrive in broken pieces. And it can also come in the form of packing peanuts to keep those fragile objects in good shape. EPS is actually 98% air, so it is one of the lightest options for companies to protect the product but also keep transport costs low.
Fact or Fiction? EPS is used for many purposes, including building and insulating rooms in your home.
FACT. Every house or commercial building needs insulation and EPS is a smart solution to fill this need. Because it is very versatile, the foam is used as an insulator and therefore keeps the heat in and the moisture out. At this point, EPS is a standard in the industry for this exact purpose. EPS foam can be used now in floors, walls or ceilings because of its durability and efficiency. It’s especially good for insulating floors due to its superb shock absorption (unless you’ve never let a slippery pan fly out of your hands while doing dishes… but I think we’ve all been there).
Fact or Fiction? The only downside to EPS is that because it’s a type of foam, it isn’t recyclable and therefore is damaging to our environment.
FICTION!!! Sometimes when we hear the word “foam,” we have these preconceived notions about it being bad for the environment. Often times it’s associated with fancy terms like “greenhouse gases” and “carbon footprint.” But we need to set the record straight here. EPS is actually 100% recyclable… (and that is not a typo). Actually EPS is only made up of carbon and hydrogen, so when it’s combusted, it gives off the same harmless vapors as paper. And the best part is that approximately 50% of EPS that is collected is recycled as new packaging for future transport (just in case you want to upgrade that TV in a year or two).
All in all, EPS has a ton of uses and benefits. We see it in our everyday lives, in packaging and in construction because it’s durable, efficient and most of all, sustainable. When there’s a product that will do the job right AND keep our environment safe, that’s one we’re on board with.
One last Fact or Fiction? Plymouth Foam can put EPS to work for YOU.
….We’ll let you answer that one on your own.
