Four common insulation materials compared — to help you balance cost, insulation and compliance.
| Property | EPS | XPS | PU | Graphite EPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity W/(m·K) | 0.033 – 0.041 | 0.028 – 0.034 | 0.020 – 0.028 | 0.030 – 0.033 |
| Raw material cost | ★ Lowest | Medium | Higher | Low–medium |
| Fire performance | Class B1 with FR additive (OI ≥ 32) | B1 / B2 available | Needs FR additives; higher smoke density | B1 easier to achieve |
| Recyclability | ★ 100% recyclable into new resin | Difficult to recycle | Difficult to recycle | Recyclable like EPS |
| Water absorption | Low (closed cells ≥ 97%) | Very low | Low | Low |
| Molding method | Steam mold-foaming, any shape | Extruded then cut | Pour-in-place / boards | Same process as EPS |
| Typical density | 10 – 40 kg/m³ | 25 – 45 kg/m³ | 30 – 80 kg/m³ | 12 – 30 kg/m³ |
| Typical uses | Packaging, insulation boards, geofoam | Underfloor heating, cold stores, walls | Refrigerators, pipes, spray foam | Premium wall insulation |
Values are industry-typical ranges; actual performance depends on each manufacturer's product. EPS data based on products made to QB/T 4009-2010.
Lowest cost, 100% recyclable, complete molding freedom (complex shapes in one shot), mature global supply chain. The default choice for volume packaging and standard building insulation.
For extreme thinness / conductivity targets consider XPS or PU; for long-term wet + loaded positions XPS is stronger; PU suits spray applications and refrigerator cores.
Grey EPS — graphite infrared-shielding particles added to the bead give lower thermal conductivity and easier Class B1, with identical processing to standard EPS. This is our Grade FG.
5–25 kg samples per grade for foaming trials, with English technical data sheets.