NovaFoam

Think different, think green

Before introducing NOVAFOAM, our synthetic wood , a few notes about polystyrene:

What is polystyrene?

Polystyrene (also called styrofoam) is a thermoplastic resin obtained by polymerizing styrene. Polystyrene, first discovered in 1839 by Eduard Simon, appears as small transparent beads before being expanded. Sintering is the process of welding the beads which, when exposed again to steam at 110–120° and pentane, expand and bond together to form a homogeneous block known as Expanded Sintered Polystyrene (EPS).

What is EPS?

Styrofoam or Expanded Sintered Polystyrene (EPS) are synonyms. EPS is a rigid and lightweight material composed of carbon, hydrogen and 98% air, and it is used to produce all kinds of everyday objects (often single‑use products). Due to its widespread use and low cost, it is a material with a very high risk of waste. Just consider that in Italy alone in 2021 — AIPE source — 700,000 tons of EPS were produced, and worldwide production reaches 4.5 million tons.

EPS in our daily life

There is therefore an enormous mass of material with an unlimited lifespan that must be disposed of and continues to accumulate in landfills. Recycling EPS is difficult: the material is light and occupies large volumes, making transportation costs uneconomical.

Our solution

This scenario, which appears dramatic for future sustainability, can however change, and NOVAFOAM is the only alternative for reusing EPS, producing a “synthetic wood”. Let us therefore introduce our technology.

The NOVAFOAM material

It is produced through a non‑polluting, unique and exclusive process that reuses EPS. The resulting product is innovative, high‑quality, safe and eco‑friendly, with characteristics similar to wood.

NOVAFOAM compared to wood