- Production capacity of Neopor® will increase by 50,000 metric tons per year.
- New facilities are scheduled to start in early 2027.
- Neopor® is a graphite-containing expandable polystyrene (EPS) granulate.
- Neopor® BMB and McycledTM have optimized sustainability profiles.
Expansion of Neopor® Production
BASF is set to enhance its styrene value chain at the Ludwigshafen site by increasing Neopor® production capacity by 50,000 metric tons annually. This expansion aims to meet the rising demand for the grey insulation material, with new production facilities expected to commence operations in early 2027.
Neopor®: Advanced Insulation Material
Neopor® is a graphite-containing expandable polystyrene (EPS) granulate developed by BASF. It is primarily used for energy-efficient insulation materials in building envelopes. The graphite component enhances the insulation performance by up to 30% compared to traditional white EPS, setting new standards in construction and renovation.
Market Demand and Regulatory Drivers
The demand for energy-efficient building materials is projected to grow significantly, driven by the European Union's goal to achieve climate neutrality in the building sector by 2050. The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) imposes stringent requirements for improving building energy efficiency, underscoring the importance of well-insulated building envelopes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting modern heating technologies.
Sustainability Initiatives
BASF offers Neopor® BMB and Neopor® McycledTM, which feature optimized sustainability profiles. Neopor® BMB reduces the CO2 footprint by replacing fossil raw materials with renewable ones, certified by REDcert2. Neopor® McycledTM incorporates mechanically recycled EPS waste, closing the recycling loop for EPS. Both products maintain the high quality and insulating effect of classic Neopor® while reducing CO2 emissions during building use and construction.
