Finland Times

The VTT Technical Research Center of Finland is developing an affordable and ecological alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) as a light packaging and insulation material, the center said in a press release Tuesday.

     With lightweight and good thermal and hydro insulation properties, EPS is one kind of foamed plastic popularly used as packaging and insulation material.

     However, EPS is considered one of the worst polluting products in the world, as its waste is hazardous to both human health and the environment.

     VTT's alternative to EPS is polylactic acid (PLA), a kind of foamed and bio-based bioplastic made from renewable materials with the help of lactic acid.

     The research center is searching for methods of foaming bioplastic to make beads that are further refined into products such as insulation sheets, using the typical ways of manufacturing EPS.

     The process is carried out with consideration for the environment by using carbon dioxide, said VTT.

     The research VTT is also developing a process for PLA based on extrusion foaming to replace use of polystyrene in producing packaging and insulation material.

     PLA products, which is similar to polystyrene, are already available in the market, but the problem has been the high price.