Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Market 2026 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2032
Description
According to our (Global Info Research) latest study, the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market size was valued at US$ 16430 million in 2025 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 21230 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 3.8% during review period.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight and rigid plastic foam material that is commonly used in a wide range of applications due to its excellent insulation properties and versatility. It is a type of polystyrene, a synthetic polymer made from the monomer styrene. EPS is created through a process that involves expanding and molding polystyrene beads using steam and pressure.In 2024, global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) production reached approximately 12338 K MT, with an average global market price of around US$ 1251 per MT.
The expanded polystyrene (EPS) market is a sizeable, mature but still-growing segment of the global plastics and foam industry, supplying a lightweight, rigid, closed-cell material used mainly in building insulation and protective packaging. Globally, EPS is a multi-billion-dollar market with steady mid-single-digit growth expected over the coming decade, supported by construction activity, energy-efficiency standards and the expansion of e-commerce and cold-chain logistics. White EPS dominates by volume thanks to its cost-effectiveness, while grey and graphite-modified EPS are gaining share in higher-performance insulation where better thermal conductivity justifies a price premium. Regionally, Asia–Pacific leads in both production and consumption, Europe is a major market driven by strict building codes and renovation programs, and North America shows solid demand in construction, appliances and packaging, with emerging markets contributing incremental volume as urbanization and infrastructure investment accelerate.
Along the industry chain, the upstream stage starts with petrochemical feedstocks (benzene and ethylene) used to produce styrene monomer, which is then polymerized into general-purpose polystyrene. Polystyrene producers (or integrated EPS players) convert a portion of this output into expandable polystyrene beads by loading them with a blowing agent such as pentane and adding stabilizers and flame retardants where required. Midstream, EPS converters pre-expand these beads with steam, age them to stabilize internal pressure, and then mold them into blocks, boards, or custom shapes using block molders, shape molders and cutting lines; some producers specialize in geofoam blocks, insulated concrete form (ICF) elements, or other engineered products, while others focus on commodity blocks and packaging parts. Downstream, EPS products are used in external wall insulation systems, cavity wall and roof insulation, structural insulated panels, road and embankment lightweight fill, appliance and electronics packaging, fish boxes and food containers, as well as loose-fill and specialty form-fit protective packaging for high-value goods.
The main driving factors behind EPS demand are the global push for energy-efficient buildings and the need for cost-effective, lightweight protective packaging. In construction, tighter thermal regulations, green-building certifications and the drive to reduce heating and cooling loads make EPS insulation boards and systems attractive due to their good thermal performance per cost, ease of installation and long service life; renovation of older building stock in Europe and growing new-build volumes in Asia and other emerging regions all contribute to demand. In packaging, the rapid growth of e-commerce, the expansion of cold-chain logistics for food and pharmaceuticals, and the need to protect increasingly complex appliances and electronics favor EPS thanks to its combination of cushioning, thermal insulation and low density. At the same time, the industry is investing in recycling technologies, take-back schemes, and design-for-recycling approaches to address public and regulatory concerns around plastics waste, while also exploring lower-emission production routes and alternative blowing agents.
Counterbalancing these structural drivers are several headwinds that shape the competitive landscape and profitability: EPS is exposed to volatile styrene and energy prices, faces competition from alternative insulation and packaging materials (such as mineral wool, PIR/PUR foams, XPS, cellulose and molded pulp), and is under growing pressure from restrictions on single-use foams and local bans in some food-service and packaging applications. Environmental scrutiny around litter, microplastics and incineration, along with tightening regulations on emissions and fire performance, can increase compliance and investment costs, favoring larger, more integrated producers over small converters. In this context, EPS producers and converters generally operate with relatively modest but acceptable profitability for a bulk materials business, with typical gross profit margins most commonly in the range of about 10–20%, tending toward the upper end for higher-spec grey EPS, geofoam and engineered systems, and toward the lower end for highly commoditized block and packaging grades in intensely price-competitive markets.
This report is a detailed and comprehensive analysis for global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are presented by manufacturers, by region & country, by Type and by Application. As the market is constantly changing, this report explores the competition, supply and demand trends, as well as key factors that contribute to its changing demands across many markets. Company profiles and product examples of selected competitors, along with market share estimates of some of the selected leaders for the year 2025, are provided.
Key Features:
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market size and forecasts, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and average selling prices (US$/Ton), 2021-2032
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market size and forecasts by region and country, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and average selling prices (US$/Ton), 2021-2032
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market size and forecasts, by Type and by Application, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and average selling prices (US$/Ton), 2021-2032
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market shares of main players, shipments in revenue ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and ASP (US$/Ton), 2021-2026
The Primary Objectives in This Report Are:
To determine the size of the total market opportunity of global and key countries
To assess the growth potential for Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
To forecast future growth in each product and end-use market
To assess competitive factors affecting the marketplace
This report profiles key players in the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market based on the following parameters - company overview, sales quantity, revenue, price, gross margin, product portfolio, geographical presence, and key developments. Key companies covered as a part of this study include Loyal Group, Wuxi Xingda Group, Sunchem, Taita Chemical, Shuangliang Group, Styropek, Sabic, AmSty, Rapac, Epsilyte, etc.
This report also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approvals.
Market Segmentation
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2021-2032, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for consumption value by Type, and by Application in terms of volume and value. This analysis can help you expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.
Market segment by Type
Ordinary Expanded Polystyrene
Flame Retardant Expanded Polystyrene
Market segment by Feature
Level B1
Level B2
Level B3
Market segment by Application
Packaging
Building and Construction
Others
Major players covered
Loyal Group
Wuxi Xingda Group
Sunchem
Taita Chemical
Shuangliang Group
Styropek
Sabic
AmSty
Rapac
Epsilyte
NexKemia Petrochemicals
Ravago
Unipol
BASF
Sunpor
Market segment by region, regional analysis covers
North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)
Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and Rest of Europe)
Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Rest of South America)
Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa)
The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 15 chapters:
Chapter 1, to describe Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) product scope, market overview, market estimation caveats and base year.
Chapter 2, to profile the top manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), with price, sales quantity, revenue, and global market share of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) from 2021 to 2026.
Chapter 3, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) competitive situation, sales quantity, revenue, and global market share of top manufacturers are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.
Chapter 4, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) breakdown data are shown at the regional level, to show the sales quantity, consumption value, and growth by regions, from 2021 to 2032.
Chapter 5 and 6, to segment the sales by Type and by Application, with sales market share and growth rate by Type, by Application, from 2021 to 2032.
Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to break the sales data at the country level, with sales quantity, consumption value, and market share for key countries in the world, from 2021 to 2026.and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market forecast, by regions, by Type, and by Application, with sales and revenue, from 2027 to 2032.
Chapter 12, market dynamics, drivers, restraints, trends, and Porters Five Forces analysis.
Chapter 13, the key raw materials and key suppliers, and industry chain of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
Chapter 14 and 15, to describe Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) sales channel, distributors, customers, research findings and conclusion.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight and rigid plastic foam material that is commonly used in a wide range of applications due to its excellent insulation properties and versatility. It is a type of polystyrene, a synthetic polymer made from the monomer styrene. EPS is created through a process that involves expanding and molding polystyrene beads using steam and pressure.In 2024, global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) production reached approximately 12338 K MT, with an average global market price of around US$ 1251 per MT.
The expanded polystyrene (EPS) market is a sizeable, mature but still-growing segment of the global plastics and foam industry, supplying a lightweight, rigid, closed-cell material used mainly in building insulation and protective packaging. Globally, EPS is a multi-billion-dollar market with steady mid-single-digit growth expected over the coming decade, supported by construction activity, energy-efficiency standards and the expansion of e-commerce and cold-chain logistics. White EPS dominates by volume thanks to its cost-effectiveness, while grey and graphite-modified EPS are gaining share in higher-performance insulation where better thermal conductivity justifies a price premium. Regionally, Asia–Pacific leads in both production and consumption, Europe is a major market driven by strict building codes and renovation programs, and North America shows solid demand in construction, appliances and packaging, with emerging markets contributing incremental volume as urbanization and infrastructure investment accelerate.
Along the industry chain, the upstream stage starts with petrochemical feedstocks (benzene and ethylene) used to produce styrene monomer, which is then polymerized into general-purpose polystyrene. Polystyrene producers (or integrated EPS players) convert a portion of this output into expandable polystyrene beads by loading them with a blowing agent such as pentane and adding stabilizers and flame retardants where required. Midstream, EPS converters pre-expand these beads with steam, age them to stabilize internal pressure, and then mold them into blocks, boards, or custom shapes using block molders, shape molders and cutting lines; some producers specialize in geofoam blocks, insulated concrete form (ICF) elements, or other engineered products, while others focus on commodity blocks and packaging parts. Downstream, EPS products are used in external wall insulation systems, cavity wall and roof insulation, structural insulated panels, road and embankment lightweight fill, appliance and electronics packaging, fish boxes and food containers, as well as loose-fill and specialty form-fit protective packaging for high-value goods.
The main driving factors behind EPS demand are the global push for energy-efficient buildings and the need for cost-effective, lightweight protective packaging. In construction, tighter thermal regulations, green-building certifications and the drive to reduce heating and cooling loads make EPS insulation boards and systems attractive due to their good thermal performance per cost, ease of installation and long service life; renovation of older building stock in Europe and growing new-build volumes in Asia and other emerging regions all contribute to demand. In packaging, the rapid growth of e-commerce, the expansion of cold-chain logistics for food and pharmaceuticals, and the need to protect increasingly complex appliances and electronics favor EPS thanks to its combination of cushioning, thermal insulation and low density. At the same time, the industry is investing in recycling technologies, take-back schemes, and design-for-recycling approaches to address public and regulatory concerns around plastics waste, while also exploring lower-emission production routes and alternative blowing agents.
Counterbalancing these structural drivers are several headwinds that shape the competitive landscape and profitability: EPS is exposed to volatile styrene and energy prices, faces competition from alternative insulation and packaging materials (such as mineral wool, PIR/PUR foams, XPS, cellulose and molded pulp), and is under growing pressure from restrictions on single-use foams and local bans in some food-service and packaging applications. Environmental scrutiny around litter, microplastics and incineration, along with tightening regulations on emissions and fire performance, can increase compliance and investment costs, favoring larger, more integrated producers over small converters. In this context, EPS producers and converters generally operate with relatively modest but acceptable profitability for a bulk materials business, with typical gross profit margins most commonly in the range of about 10–20%, tending toward the upper end for higher-spec grey EPS, geofoam and engineered systems, and toward the lower end for highly commoditized block and packaging grades in intensely price-competitive markets.
This report is a detailed and comprehensive analysis for global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are presented by manufacturers, by region & country, by Type and by Application. As the market is constantly changing, this report explores the competition, supply and demand trends, as well as key factors that contribute to its changing demands across many markets. Company profiles and product examples of selected competitors, along with market share estimates of some of the selected leaders for the year 2025, are provided.
Key Features:
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market size and forecasts, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and average selling prices (US$/Ton), 2021-2032
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market size and forecasts by region and country, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and average selling prices (US$/Ton), 2021-2032
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market size and forecasts, by Type and by Application, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and average selling prices (US$/Ton), 2021-2032
Global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market shares of main players, shipments in revenue ($ Million), sales quantity (Tons), and ASP (US$/Ton), 2021-2026
The Primary Objectives in This Report Are:
To determine the size of the total market opportunity of global and key countries
To assess the growth potential for Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
To forecast future growth in each product and end-use market
To assess competitive factors affecting the marketplace
This report profiles key players in the global Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market based on the following parameters - company overview, sales quantity, revenue, price, gross margin, product portfolio, geographical presence, and key developments. Key companies covered as a part of this study include Loyal Group, Wuxi Xingda Group, Sunchem, Taita Chemical, Shuangliang Group, Styropek, Sabic, AmSty, Rapac, Epsilyte, etc.
This report also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approvals.
Market Segmentation
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2021-2032, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for consumption value by Type, and by Application in terms of volume and value. This analysis can help you expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.
Market segment by Type
Ordinary Expanded Polystyrene
Flame Retardant Expanded Polystyrene
Market segment by Feature
Level B1
Level B2
Level B3
Market segment by Application
Packaging
Building and Construction
Others
Major players covered
Loyal Group
Wuxi Xingda Group
Sunchem
Taita Chemical
Shuangliang Group
Styropek
Sabic
AmSty
Rapac
Epsilyte
NexKemia Petrochemicals
Ravago
Unipol
BASF
Sunpor
Market segment by region, regional analysis covers
North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)
Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and Rest of Europe)
Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Rest of South America)
Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa)
The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 15 chapters:
Chapter 1, to describe Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) product scope, market overview, market estimation caveats and base year.
Chapter 2, to profile the top manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), with price, sales quantity, revenue, and global market share of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) from 2021 to 2026.
Chapter 3, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) competitive situation, sales quantity, revenue, and global market share of top manufacturers are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.
Chapter 4, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) breakdown data are shown at the regional level, to show the sales quantity, consumption value, and growth by regions, from 2021 to 2032.
Chapter 5 and 6, to segment the sales by Type and by Application, with sales market share and growth rate by Type, by Application, from 2021 to 2032.
Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to break the sales data at the country level, with sales quantity, consumption value, and market share for key countries in the world, from 2021 to 2026.and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) market forecast, by regions, by Type, and by Application, with sales and revenue, from 2027 to 2032.
Chapter 12, market dynamics, drivers, restraints, trends, and Porters Five Forces analysis.
Chapter 13, the key raw materials and key suppliers, and industry chain of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
Chapter 14 and 15, to describe Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) sales channel, distributors, customers, research findings and conclusion.
Table of Contents
115 Pages
- 1 Market Overview
- 2 Manufacturers Profiles
- 3 Competitive Environment: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) by Manufacturer
- 4 Consumption Analysis by Region
- 5 Market Segment by Type
- 6 Market Segment by Application
- 7 North America
- 8 Europe
- 9 Asia-Pacific
- 10 South America
- 11 Middle East & Africa
- 12 Market Dynamics
- 13 Raw Material and Industry Chain
- 14 Shipments by Distribution Channel
- 15 Research Findings and Conclusion
- 16 Appendix
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