Design

Sustainability – Part 2: Can extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation be part of the circular economy?

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There is no reason that extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation cannot play a role in the construction industry’s transition from the linear economy to the circular economy. XPS’s combination of performance characteristics – including its robustness, compressive strength, moisture resistance, and long-term thermal performance – mean it has the potential to be retained or reused across … Read more

Polyfoam XPS supports increased recycling of extruded polystyrene insulation

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Two sites, including a large shopping centre in the south-east of England, have been able to recycle extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation removed from existing roofs. Thanks to advice from Polyfoam XPS, the sites were put in contact with a leading polystyrene recycling company, who can recycle XPS even when it is contaminated with other materials. … Read more

Sustainability – Part 1: What does sustainability mean in the construction industry?

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In construction projects, sustainability should be defined through clear project outcomes. At a basic level, this means achieving compliance with national building regulations, including energy efficiency requirements. However, there are a host of other factors relating to broader sustainability that go beyond energy use and carbon emissions. A project may go further in reducing energy … Read more

Back to basics: Thermal insulation in buildings

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Polyfoam XPS’s factory in Hartlepool has been the site of extruded polystyrene (XPS) manufacturing for more than forty years. Over that time, the business has built up a wealth of knowledge about insulation production (much of which informed the commissioning of our new production line) and building construction. Among Polyfoam’s workforce are people who have … Read more

How can product manufacturers support construction projects throughout the RIBA Plan of Work?

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The RIBA Plan of Work is arguably the most common approach to describing the various stages of construction projects in the UK. The Plan of Work is a framework for architects, primarily; as it has evolved, however, it has become an industry-wide tool. As a framework for projects, the Plan of Work is designed to … Read more

Could hybrid working help to address the construction skills shortage?

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Five years ago, the Covid pandemic made home working a necessity for many. In the frequent debate over what hybrid working arrangements should look like, some people consistently bang the drum for employees working only from the office. In this very personal post, Rob Firman (Technical and Specification Manager) reflects on a moment of family … Read more

Hartlepool’s highlight development sees completion of inverted roof

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Polyfoam XPS is proud to have supported the achievement of an important milestone at the £35 million Highlight leisure development. Currently under construction and sited within Hartlepool’s marina, Highlight now has a completed roof – just months after a ceremony marked the erection of the building’s structural steel frame. Working closely with trusted roof waterproofing … Read more

What are the qualities to look for in a water flow reducing layer (WFRL)?

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In any good double act, success depends on the interaction between both partners. Even when one plays more of a leading role, it doesn’t mean they could be successful by themselves. The less-heralded of the two is still making an essential contribution, and the quality of the overall performance relies on how they play off … Read more

POLYFOAM XPS aims to make an impact by returning to Futurebuild

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Polyfoam XPS, the Hartlepool-based manufacturer of extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, is once again exhibiting at Futurebuild. Having first exhibited in 2023, the company is pleased to be returning to the event and sharing its latest developments with the sustainability-conscious audience. The 2025 edition of Futurebuild takes place from March 4th to 6th at ExCel in … Read more

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025: the year to make an impact

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The construction industry is not known for sitting still, and 2025 promises to be no different. Important regulations and standards are in the process of being updated, impacting specifiers and installers alike. Meanwhile, it will be another year of growth for Polyfoam XPS. Building on our new website and new production line (commissioned in time … Read more

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