EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), more commonly known by its trademarked name, Styrofoam, is an extremely lightweight product that is made of expanded polystyrene beads. EPS foam is more than 95% air and only about 5% plastic. The most common use for Expanded Polystyrene is as a packaging material which not only secures the goods in the box but also acts as a shock absorber during transport.
Start your own business manufacturing and selling Expanded Polystyrene products.
Overview
This is a manufacturing business, the Polystyrene comes in tiny pellets which is then expanded inside a steam chamber (watch manufacturing process for more).
Manufacturing Businesses have good margins but have various challenges; one of the main challenges is starting and growing the business to the point of sustainability. This business has a few advantages providing you get the business model right…
Business Model
While you might be familiar with Expanded Polystyrene as a packaging material, this is not the best product for SA. The best products with the highest margins are selling to the construction industry. Expanded Polystyrene is used both for insulation and as architectural mouldings.
Insulation
This is the easiest product to make as it involves cutting the Expanded Polystyrene into sheets or panels. Builders use Expanded Polystyrene insulation in roofs, walls, foundations and basements. The Expanded Polystyrene is cut into sheets using a wire that is heated.
Cornice /Architectural/Decorative Mouldings
A moulding is a strip of material with various profiles used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration.
Manufacturing Process
Image credits: nuclear-power, builders, geelongpoly
