Expanded Polystyrene Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Market is Segmented By Product (White, Grey, Black), By Application (Packaging, Foaming, Insulation, Chemical Intermediate, Others), By End-user (Electronics, Automotive, Construction, Food & Beverages, Others), and by Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis,  2024-2031

Report Overview

Global Expanded Polystyrene Market reached US$ 15.98 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 22.83 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, rigid and closed-cell foam material produced from polystyrene beads. It is commonly used for insulation and packaging due to its excellent thermal insulation properties and shock absorption capabilities. The expanded polystyrene (EPS) market refers to the global industry involved in the production, distribution and consumption of expanded polystyrene, a lightweight, rigid and durable plastic foam material. 

The increasing use of EPS in packaging boosts the demand of the expanded polystyrene market. EPS is favored for its lightweight nature, shock absorbency and thermal insulation, making it an ideal material for packaging in industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals and food & beverages. According to the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) world packaging industry will reach $1.05 trillion by 2024, with EPS playing a significant role in this growth.

The Asia-Pacific holds a dominant share of the EPS market due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and the growth of the e-commerce and construction industries in countries such as China and India. According to the Packaging Industry Association of India (PIAI), Packaging is among the high-growth industries in India developing 22-25% per annum and becoming a preferred hub for the packaging industry. This growth is also supported by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, as EPS is lightweight, durable and recyclable, aligning with the region's push towards more eco-friendly materials.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics

Growing Demand From Construction Industry

EPS is widely used as insulation material in building and construction due to its excellent thermal insulation properties, lightweight nature and moisture resistance. The construction industry's growth, especially in developing countries such as the US, China and India, is a key driver. This expansion fuels demand for EPS as it plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption in buildings

According to Oxford Economics, Construction work went up from US$ 9.7 trillion in 2022 to US$ 13.9 trillion in 2037—driven by superpower construction markets China, the US and India. This is further propelled by government regulations focusing on reducing carbon footprints and improving energy efficiency.

Emerging Demand for Protective Packaging Solutions

EPS is favored for its lightweight nature, shock absorbency and thermal insulation, making it an ideal material for packaging in industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals and food & beverages. The global electronics trade boom has particularly spiked demand for protective packaging solutions. 

For instance, according to the Center for International Research, in 2021 World Exported Value of Electronic Products was US$ 15.38 Billion. This expansion drives the demand for EPS, given its critical role in safeguarding these high-value products from damage during shipping.

Rise of Eco-Friendly Alternatives

The rise of eco-friendly alternatives to EPS, such as biodegradable plastics and paper-based packaging, presents a significant restraint. The production capacity of bioplastics was around 2.18 million tons in 2023, with a production capacity to increase to around 7.43 million tons by 2028 according to a recent report from the European Bioplastics, which could potentially reduce the demand for traditional EPS products.

Furthermore, growing environmental concerns associated with EPS waste. As it is non-biodegradable and contributes significantly to plastic pollution. Governments around the world are implementing stricter regulations to limit the use of single-use plastics, including EPS.

Market Segment Analysis

The global expanded polystyrene market is segmented based on product, application, end-user and region.

Increasing Packcaging Demand Drives Segment Growth 

EPS is widely used in the packaging of food, electronics and consumer goods, where protection and thermal insulation are critical. The material's ability to absorb shock makes it ideal for transporting fragile items, while its insulation properties help preserve perishable goods, such as in cold chain packaging for food and pharmaceuticals. 

Furthermore, in food packaging, EPS is widely used due to its thermal insulation, helping to maintain the temperature of hot or cold food. The demand for EPS in food packaging has surged, especially in the fast-food and restaurant take-out sectors. Similarly, in electronics packaging, EPS is crucial for protecting fragile and sensitive products during transportation. The US market for EPS in electronics packaging is growing steadily, with a notable uptick in demand from companies requiring protective packaging for devices like smartphones, laptops and other consumer electronics

Market Geographical Share

Rising Industrial Developments in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is holding the largest share with significant growth in the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market, driven by various sectoral developments across key countries. China's construction sector has played an increasingly important role in bolstering the economy and stabilizing employment. In the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), the sector expanded 5.1 percent annually in added value, accounting for over 6.9 percent of GDP, according to the State Council Information Office.

India's burgeoning digital economy and electronic manufacturing sector also contribute to the rising demand for EPS. According to IBEF, The Indian electronics manufacturing industry is projected to reach US$ 520 billion by 2025, the need for efficient packaging and insulation materials is increasing. Similarly, Japan's automotive sector, despite facing a 3% decline in passenger car and light vehicle production in 2021 (with a total of 7,846,955 units produced), remains a significant contributor to EPS demand. Overall, the region's growth in the EPS market is supported by dynamic developments in construction, electronics and automotive sectors.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Advansix Inc., BASF SE, BEWI ASA, Century Enka, DOMO Chemicals, Fibrant (Highsun Group), Junsei Chemical Co., Ltd., Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd., Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd and, SINOPEC.

Sustainability Analysis

The global expanded polystyrene (EPS) market is undergoing significant shifts as sustainability becomes a central focus for industry stakeholders. Traditional EPS is derived from petrochemicals, which are non-renewable and contribute to environmental degradation through carbon emissions and persistent waste.

Recent advancements in sustainability are reshaping the EPS market. Companies are investing in the development of alternative materials and recycling technologies. For instance, the use of recycled EPS is gaining traction. According to study conducted by Greenmax, the application and demand for EPS insulation are expected to grow by 3.3% per year. 

The growth is driven by increased awareness of environmental issues and regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste. Furthermore, bio-based EPS which are produced from renewable sources such as starch or sugarcane, which significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to conventional EPS. Companies such as BASF and TotalEnergies are investing in research to enhance the performance and scalability of bio-based EPS solutions.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly impacted the global expanded polystyrene (EPS) market, primarily due to disruptions in supply chains and raw material shortages. EPS, a commonly utilized substance in the construction, packaging and insulation industries, depends greatly on raw ingredients such as styrene monomer, which has faced challenges due to the conflict. 

The conflict has worsened preexisting issues in the supply chain, resulting in higher costs and restricted access to key raw materials such as styrene. The war has heavily disturbed supply chains in Europe and other regions. Ukraine has experienced disruptions in energy deliveries, impacting the manufacturing of styrene and its byproducts. The rise in production expenses has been passed on to the EPS market, resulting in elevated prices for final goods.

Increased raw material costs have resulted in substantial price fluctuations in the EPS market. The main reason for this inflationary pressure is the rise in production expenses and disruptions in transportation. Rising prices are affecting sectors such as construction and packaging that heavily depend on EPS, resulting in decreased demand in certain areas.

By Product

• White
• Grey
• Others

By Application

• Packaging
• Foaming
• Insulation
• Chemical Intermediate
• Others

By End-User

• Electronics
• Automotive
• Construction
• Food & Beverages
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In 2024, BASF introduced Neopor Mcycled, a significant development in the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market, featuring 10% recycled EPS waste. This innovation highlights the industry's increasing shift towards sustainability, with a growing emphasis on incorporating recycled materials into EPS production.
• In 2022, significant developments in the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market included BEWI ASA's strategic moves to enhance its geographic footprint. The company entered a letter of intent to acquire the Lithuanian insulation firm BalPol, a move poised to bolster its presence in the Baltic region. Concurrently, BEWI ASA increased its stake in Jablite Group, a prominent insulation and packaging company in UK, by acquiring an additional 51%. 
• In 2021, BEWI signed a letter of intent with Swedish Plastic Recycling. This agreement aims to recycle EPS at Swedish Plastic Recycling's planned Site Zero facility in Motala, Sweden. The facility is projected to handle between 1,000 to 3,000 tonnes of EPS annually, highlighting a significant advancement in EPS recycling and sustainability.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global expanded polystyrene market segmentation based on product, application, end-user and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel spreadsheet containing a comprehensive dataset of the expanded polystyrene market, covering all levels of segmentation.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global expanded polystyrene market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 56 figures and 215 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies