Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has many useful properties. It can be used as an insulator against heat and the cold. It is good at absorbing shocks and protecting delicate items, for example your head when used as part of a cycle crash helmet. These and other properties have led packaging technologists to specify EPS as the first choice material for packaging many products. EPS is: • Protective – The outstanding shock absorbency and compression resistance provides excellent protection properties. • Durable – The exceptional durability of EPS makes it an effective and reliable protective packaging for a wide range of goods. There is no loss of strength in damp conditions, making EPS ideal for cool-chain products. The material is moisture resistant, so the highest hygiene requirements are met. EPS is also odourless and non-toxic. • Lightweight – EPS is made up of 98% air, making it a very lightweight material, its use for packaging does not significantly add to the weight of the total produc