BASF has planned for production increase of its Neopor insulation material at its Ludwigshafen location in distinct phases. The production capacity is scheduled to be increased by approximately 60,000 Mt every year from 2011 December and BASF aims to attain full production capacity by October in 2013.
BASF will increase its production capacity for the insulation material Neopor® in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The gray expandable polystyrene granules (EPS, middle) are foamed by BASF customers to silvergray granules and processed into insulating panels and molded parts used to insulate exterior walls, roofs and floors. The insulating capacity of Neopor is up to 20 percent better than that of Styropor® (EPS), thus contributing to energy efficiency and the reduction of CO2 emissions. Credit: BASF - The Chemical Company, 2011
Neopor is a gray plastic granular material, which is a superior version of Styropor insulation. Graphite particles are present in this material to reflect the radiation of heat similar to a mirror and hence decrease the loss of heat in a building. Neopor is subjected to foaming and is formed into molded parts and insulating boards in order to insulate floors, facades and roofs. Addition of graphite particles gives color and exclusive performance to the Neopor material. These insulating materials improve the insulating performance and save the cooling energy of the housing by at least 30%.
Expansion of the current plants will increase the production capacity. The trend towards the high-efficiency insulating materials is increasing continually and rapidly in the globe. BASF was the primary producer of EPS insulating material and has included this gray Neopor insulating material in its product line.
Thermal insulation plays a significant role in the reduction of carbon dioxide emission, which indicates that the energy-saving regulations are currently becoming strict worldwide. Neopor insulating material is employed in new and also in revamped buildings and contributes towards climatic protection. New buildings in Germany are using approximately 30% of the EPS-based insulating materials, whereas 70% of the materials are being used for revamped buildings.