BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany) is strengthening its styrene value chain at its Ludwigshafen site by expanding the production capacity of Neopor by 50,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr). This increase is aimed at meeting the growing market demand for the grey insulation material. The start-up of the new production facilities is scheduled for early 2027.
Neopor is a graphite-containing, expandable polystyrene (EPS) granulate developed by BASF, primarily used as a raw material for the production of energy-efficient insulation materials for building envelopes. The graphite contained gives the material its grey color and enhances the insulation performance of the boards by up to 30% compared to white EPS. Insulation materials made from Neopor have set new standards in both new construction and renovation.
“Under BASF’s sustainability evaluation method, TripleS (Sustainable Solution Steering), which BASF uses to evaluate all its products, Neopor is classified as a ‘Pioneer’ in the highest category and is part of BASF’s ‘Sustainable-Future Solutions’,” says Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF SE. “Our ambition is to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. And Neopor is an excellent example of how we can achieve this.”
BASF anticipates a significantly increasing demand for materials for energy-efficient building renovations in the coming years. The European Union aims to make the European building sector climate-neutral by 2050. To achieve this ambitious goal, implementing the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in all EU member states imposes high requirements for improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
“A well-insulated building envelope is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate goals. It is also a prerequisite for the sensible use of modern heating technology. Our EPS insulation materials play a significant role in this,” says Dr. Klaus Ries, Head of Business Management Styrenics Europe at BASF. “Over their decades-long lifespan, they significantly reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption for heating and cooling the building. This is beneficial not only for the climate but also saves energy costs. The graphite-containing Neopor® offers excellent insulation values, is easy to process, cost-effective, and recyclable. Neopor® is one of the most eco-efficient insulation materials.”