The Foamex range of products offer a smart and sustainable solution for residential construction applications, commercial building applications, packaging applications, and various retail & creative applications.
Environmentally friendly production
Made from 98% air, expanded polystyrene can be shaped, moulded, and compressed into a durable and long-lasting product with a variety of uses across numerous industries. All Foamex polystyrene products are produced without the use of toxic, ozone depleting substances and are 100% recyclable.
A highly recyclable product
Did you know that expanded polystyrene can be recycled up to seven times without deteriorating the product? The manufacture of expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene also creates minimal pollution, as the energy used to produce the products comes from steam and water.
Waste-free manufacturing
Our manufacture of polystyrene produces no waste, as any offcuts or rejects are simply fed back into the production process. Foamex takes an industry-leading role in furthering sustainability and innovation within the manufacturing process of polystyrene.
Early adopters of pentane
We were one of the first polystyrene producers in Australia to use pentane – a non-CFC producing expansion agent – in our expanded polystyrene manufacturing process. Pentane has been proven to not have any detrimental effect on the environment or the ozone layer.
Supporting architects, specifiers and builders
Foamex works closely with architects, specifiers and builders to provide environmentally sustainable building solutions so our industries can move away from dated building practices and towards green building design. Incorporating Styroboard® XPS products into the built environment is a step towards builders and developers achieving a Green Star rating for their projects.
A commitment to green building
There are two main types of polystyrene that Foamex responsibly manufactures: expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). Both materials are used extensively in building and construction and are considered a green building material for a variety of reasons.
Polystyrene has become the sustainable choice for building materials in Australia, with most builders and specifiers incorporating polystyrene insulation sheets into their projects to reduce their impact on the environment. Polystyrene is the most sustainable alternative when compared to traditional building materials such as concrete, timber and metal. It is safe, durable and compliant with all environmental building standards.
The sustainability of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- The manufacture of EPS uses less than 0.1% of global crude oil as a feedstock, yet can deliver up to 200 times its own resource in thermal energy savings.
- EPS packaging achieves significant transport savings compared to other packaging materials due to its light weight, which results in lower fuel consumption.
- EPS has exceptional cushioning and thermal properties that result in lower damage rates and maintain a secure cold chain for temperature sensitive products.
- EPS is one of the lightest of all construction materials, allowing ease of handling and faster construction times. Its outstanding thermal insulation properties and durability ensure performance throughout the full lifetime of the building/construction application in which it is used.
- EPS is recyclable at many stages throughout its life cycle.
- EPS holds a high calorific value. 1kg of EPS is equivalent to 1.3 litres of liquid fuel, making it an ideal material for energy recovery.
- The manufacturing and use of EPS does not generate any risk to health or to the environment.
- As it does not biodegrade EPS does not contaminate the air or water with gases or hydro-soluble substances.
Foamex Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
At Foamex, we are strong advocates of green building practices, and our Styroboard® XPS product is testament to this commitment. Unlike other insulation products such as spray foam, our Styroboard® XPS extruded polystyrene is manufactured without CFCs, HFCs, and has no refrigerants in its chemical make-up.
Sustainably made, our extruded polystyrene also provides specifiers and builders with the peace of mind knowing that their projects are eco-friendly. Our extruded polystyrene is built with materials designed to maintain thermal consistency for the duration of its service life. This, in turn, leads to energy savings in the long run, and less reliance on heating and cooling systems to maintain temperatures.
Contributing to major Passive House project
In 2015, Foamex proudly supplied Styroboard® XPS extruded polystyrene sheets to Laros Technologies for their pro-bono development of the Jerrabomberra Tennis Facility in Canberra. Following the Passivhaus (or Passive House) methodology, originally developed in Germany, this project gave Laros and Foamex the chance to showcase the construction of a truly sustainable facility.
The project delivered a building that was able to regulate temperature and manage weather extremes without relying on artificial heating or cooling. Click here to watch a time lapse of the Jerrabombarra Tennis Club development.
To learn more about how Foamex products and how we can support your next project, contact your nearest Foamex office.
