Sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, rigid, expanded material made from petroleum, so it is composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Since it is 98% air, EPS is one of the lightest packaging materials around; even so, its structure is extraordinarily strong. It is also an excellent insulator, and it resists moisture, various acids and most oils.

Expanded polystyrene packaging is:

• Resistant to impact, since it has an excellent ability to absorb energy
• Light, so it can be moved easily, which lowers transport costs
• Stackable, thanks to its excellent resistance to compression
• An insulator, so it is ideal for protecting electronic equipment and foodstuffs
• Hygienic, since germs cannot feed on its closed cells
• Moldable as desired, thus providing packaged products with the greatest protection

Environmental considerations:

• Expanded polystyrene is completely recyclable
• CFCs, which damage the ozone layer around the atmosphere, are not used (and have never been used) to produce expanded polystyrene
• EPS does not pose a health risk because it does not release harmful substances
• Packing and packaging made of expanded polystyrene is not prohibited in any part of the world