How to choose the right polystyrene

1. Choosing an EPS box

Start with what you are packing. Closed boxes are for products that must stay cold: fish and seafood, frozen food and pharmaceuticals. Open boxes are lighter trays for vegetables, fruit and fresh produce on the way to market.

• Choose by the internal size. The kg figure in each model name is a guide to how much product the box is made for, but what matters is that your product fits inside. Compare the internal length, width and height with your product or pack.
• Leave room for ice. If you pack fish or seafood with ice, choose a size with space for both.
• Check the outside size for storage and transport. The external dimensions decide how many boxes fit in a cold room, on a pallet or in a vehicle.
• Same capacity, different shape. Both 10 kg boxes are made for a similar amount of product. Type A is the taller one (475 × 300 × 269 mm outside, about 26 litres inside). Type B is wider and lower (500 × 400 × 200 mm outside, about 21 litres inside).

2. Choosing EPS sheets and blocks

Sheets are cut from our blocks, so you can order them in the thickness and size you need. Standard blocks have a 122 × 100 cm cross-section and lengths from 2.0 m to 6.0 m; non-standard sizes can be supplied on request.

Density

Density is the weight of one cubic metre of EPS, and we produce it from 8 kg/m³ to 50 kg/m³. Higher-density EPS is stronger and more rigid; lower-density EPS is lighter and more economical. High compressive strength grades are used for heavy load-bearing applications, and lower grades for void forming.

• Lighter grades suit void forming and filling, where the EPS mainly takes up space.
• Heavier grades suit load-bearing applications, where the EPS has to carry weight.
• Working from drawings? If your consultant or specification gives a density or compressive strength, send it to us. If not, tell us the application and we will recommend a density.

Fire retardant or standard

Blocks and sheets are produced in fire retardant and non-fire retardant types. For buildings, check which type your project specification or authority requires, and mention it in your request. More on fire retardant EPS.

Deciding between EPS and XPS boards? See EPS vs XPS insulation.

EPS sheets and blocks

3. Beads or chips for packing

• EPS chips (20 × 20 × 20 mm) fill large voids around products in cartons and cushion them against knocks, while adding very little weight.
• Fresh EPS beads are small, fire retardant pearls that flow around irregular shapes. They are also used to fill bean bags and pouffes.

4. Custom shapes

If you need a profile, signage, a packaging insert or a themed element, our CNC cutting service shapes EPS blocks to your drawing. Send the drawing or a sample, the sizes and the quantity.

5. What to include in your quote request

A complete request lets our team price your order without going back and forth:

• Product and model, for example the 6 kg Box or EPS sheets.
• Sizes: for sheets and blocks, the length, width and thickness, the density, and fire retardant or standard.
• Quantity in pieces, boxes or cubic metres.
• Where you need it: the emirate or country.
• When you need it, and whether it is a one-off or a regular order.