Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, rigid, plastic foam insulating material produced from solid beads of polystyrene. It is often referred to by the brand name Styrofoam, although Styrofoam is technically a type of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam made for thermal insulation and craft applications, not the same thing as EPS which is used in a wider range of applications, including furniture.
In the context of furniture, EPS is valued for several reasons:
Lightweight: EPS has a very low density because it is composed of up to 98% air. This makes it a useful material for lightweight furniture that is easy to move and handle. It's especially favored for items like bean bag filler, temporary seating, or light-duty accent pieces.
Formability: The raw beads of polystyrene can be expanded and molded into almost any shape, allowing for a range of designs and applications in furniture. This makes it possible to create ergonomic designs and unique furniture shapes.
Insulation: EPS has excellent thermal insulation properties. While this isn't a primary consideration in most furniture design, it can be beneficial in certain scenarios where temperature modulation is desired.
Due to its structure, EPS can absorb shock relatively well, making it suitable for packaging furniture or delicate items during transportation. Although not a structural component, this property is indirectly related to furniture when considering the product delivery process.
