Insulbrick Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) provide a fire retardant expanded polystyrene (EPS) formwork for casting concrete structures. When interlocked and filled with concrete, they create a solid wall with impressive insulation properties for both internal and external walls.

The green credentials of EPS

Insulation 

EPS’ insulating properties combined with its environment-friendly characteristics make a positive contribution to the environment at every stage of its lifecycle.

Energy 

EPS uses low energy right from raw material production to processing into useable products, thereby, saving energy, generating fewer emissions and minimising environmental impact on disposal when compared to competing materials.

Global warming 

EPS plays a positive role in reducing carbon emissions. Though produced from oil, EPS comprises of approximately 98% air. On a volume basis, EPS uses between one third and one half of the energy required for an equal volume of cardboard, which is a significant contributor to the global carbon dioxide output.

The effective application of EPS insulation could potentially cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50%. Since the insulation performance of EPS does not deteriorate during its lifetime, this reduction in emissions lasts the lifetime of the building.

Additionally, no CFCs or HCFCs are required for the manufacture of EPS raw material and the processing into useable products.

Environment friendly 

EPS accounts for less than a tenth of one percent of the weight of municipal waste. The foam scrap improves the aeration of landfills, thereby contributing to faster degradation of organic substances. EPS products do not degrade into harmful substances, are not water-soluble and do not give off any water-soluble substances that could contaminate groundwater.

Recycling 

EPS can be readily recycled in several ways throughout its lifecycle.

At the processing plant, internal waste can be ground and mixed in various proportions with virgin material for the production of EPS blocks and mouldings.

Used EPS can be ground and mixed with soil and compost to promote aeration and enhance plant growth.

Recycled EPS can be mixed with plaster to provide insulated coatings, and concrete to produce lightweight blocks.

When the EPS waste material is melted, it becomes solid polystyrene and shrinks to its original volume. On solidification, it is reground into solid granules and used in the production of simple polystyrene products such as pens, coat hangers and cassettes.