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EPS by BASF

Petrochemicals

EPS raw materials from BASF

EPS raw materials from BASF

Since the invention of Styropor® more than 75 years ago, BASF experts have continuously advanced expandable polystyrene (EPS).

Since 1951, Styropor®—and later its graphite-enhanced development Neopor®—have become integral to a wide range of applications in construction and packaging. The resulting foam materials are now an essential part of everyday life.

While insulation solutions made from Neopor® make a contribution to achieving global CO2 reduction targets in the building sector, packaging made from Styropor® protects food from heat and cold and safeguards appliances against damage during transport. Both products are easily recyclable.

Since BASF was granted the first patent for expandable polystyrene Styropor® 75 years ago, we have achieved a great deal together with our customers and are well positioned to meet future challenges.

Neopor® – sustainability you can build on
Neopor® – sustainability you can build on
In 1997, BASF took a major step forward in EPS:
the classic Styropor® was enhanced with graphite particles, significantly improving the insulation performance of the foam. The result was the high-performance material Neopor®.
Styropor® – the classic
Styropor® – the classic
Styropor®, an expandable polystyrene (EPS), was invented by BASF in 1951 and has since become a classic raw material in the construction and packaging industries.

Styropor® offers a broad product portfolio with a wide range of applications—whether for safe and cost-efficient insulation or for impact-resistant and moisture-resistant packaging solutions.
Building applications
The rigid foam insulation materials based on Neopor® and Styropor® stand out for their thermal insulation performance and versatile application possibilities.
  1. Construction
Packaging applications
Today Styropor® is the classic raw material in the packaging industry. BASF’s Styropor® portfolio offers a wide range of applications for impact-resistant and moisture-resistant packaging solutions.
  1. Pack and protect

Shaping the future of EPS together

For decades, the Styrenics team has worked closely with its customers and the EPS industry. This continuous exchange—across the entire value chain—forms the foundation for trust, joint development, and long-term success.

As an active member of European associations and initiatives, we are strongly committed to the future of expandable polystyrene (EPS). We contribute our expertise, help shape framework conditions, and drive innovation—responsibly, practically, and with a clear focus on the future.

Associations and initiatives

Bundesverband energieeffiziente Gebäudehülle (BuVEG)

The German Association Bundesverband energieeffiziente Gebäudehülle e.V. (BuVEG) represents all products in the construction sector that contribute to energy-efficient building envelopes in new builds, renovation, and refurbishment. This includes manufacturers of facade systems such as plaster or brick solutions, insulation materials and external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), including those based on EPS boards, as well as solutions for replacing windows and doors.

BuVEG

European Association for External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (EAE)

EAE is the voice of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) in Europe and represents more than 80% of the European market in this segment. Its shared goal is to improve the energy efficiency of Europe’s building stock and to promote a “culture of sustainability” in construction. EAE supports the development of systems, products, and technologies, fosters knowledge exchange, and maintains an ongoing dialogue with European institutions and stakeholders.

European Association for ETICS

European Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (EUMEPS)

EUMEPS, the association of European manufacturers of expanded polystyrene (EPS), acts as the leading voice of the EPS industry in Europe. It represents the interests of the entire value chain—from raw material suppliers and converters to recyclers—and includes both large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Eumeps - The voice of the European EPS industry

Modern Building Alliance (MBA)

The Modern Building Alliance is an alliance of trade associations and companies representing the plastics industry in the construction sector. It provides a platform to share information and best practices and promotes a performance-based approach to fire safety across Europe. Together with stakeholders, it supports safe and sustainable construction and fosters collaboration along the entire value chain

Modern Building Alliance

Plastics Europe

Plastics Europe is the European association representing plastics manufacturers, with member companies producing more than 90% of all polymers in Europe. It represents the interests of the European plastics industry and engages with policymakers, scientists, businesses, and other stakeholders across the value chain. The association's key objective is to drive the transition towards a circular and climate-neutral plastics system with net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, PlasticsEurope promotes innovation, recycling technologies, and sustainable solutions throughout the entire plastics value chain.

Plastics Europe • Enabling a sustainable future