- The plant has a yearly production capacity of 90,000 metric tons.
- Neopor is an expandable polystyrene (EPS) with 20% better insulation than Styropor.
- The extrusion process yields uniformly sized granules and better panel properties.
- Germany uses 70% of EPS-based insulation in renovations, expected to rise to 75% by 2012.
New Neopor Plant
BASF has inaugurated a new plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, dedicated to producing Neopor®, an advanced expandable polystyrene (EPS) insulation material. The facility boasts an annual production capacity of 90,000 metric tons and employs a novel extrusion process.
Enhanced Insulation
Neopor offers up to 20% better insulation compared to traditional Styropor® (EPS). This improvement contributes significantly to energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction. The material contains graphite particles that reflect thermal radiation, minimizing heat loss in buildings.
Market Trends
Despite the global financial crisis impacting the construction sector, the demand for energy-efficient products is expected to grow. In Germany, 70% of EPS-based insulation materials are currently used in renovation projects, a figure projected to rise to 75% by 2012.
Production Process
The new extrusion process at the plant ensures more uniformly sized granules and allows for precise adjustment of panel properties, such as compression resistance. This method enhances delivery reliability and provides BASF with greater flexibility to adapt to market changes.
Energy Savings
Neopor is particularly effective in reducing energy consumption in poorly insulated older buildings. For instance, insulating an old multi-family residential building can save significant amounts of heating oil and reduce CO2 emissions. The energy required to produce Neopor is recouped after the first heating season.
