Sports, leisure, and EPS

Sports, leisure, and EPS expanded polystyrene

EPS is a highly favourable material in the world of sports due its lightweight and protective properties. In fact, many sports and hobbies incorporate EPS in various ways, often in the form of protection from injury. EPS also keeps costs low for producers and customers alike.

Here are a handful of examples of sports in which EPS has become an integral part:

Cycling

  • EPS performs key functions in cyclists’ helmets, such as absorbing energy from impacts in the event of a crash and protecting against head injury.
  • It is also extremely lightweight due to being 98% air, meaning that cyclists’ performance or focus is not impacted by what they are wearing.

Surfing & Paddleboarding

  • The lightweight and buoyant properties of EPS make it an ideal when used as a floatation aid, making it a popular material to use in the production of surfboards and paddleboards.
  • Further marine applications include pontoons, buoys, life vests, and rescue rings, helping to save lives in open water.

Cricket

  • EPS is incorporated into cricket players' protective equipment, mainly for use in helmets as a crush liner.
  • In this context, it is used in exactly the same way as cycling , protecting players' skulls by absorbing high-speed impacts from cricket balls and other hazards.

 

Horse riding

  • In equestrian settings, EPS is particularly important in helmets because riders could fall from heights of 2-3 metres above the ground.
  • Helmets must absorb substantial amounts of energy if a fall occurs, while remaining lightweight enough to be worn comfortably for long periods.

Although a solid and rigid foam when inside helmets, upon impact the EPS will permanently change its properties and will therefore have to be replaced. It is worth remembering that EPS is 100% recyclable where collection systems exist. If the EPS in sports applications becomes damaged or loses its protective ability, it can still be recycled and be incorporated into new products.

 

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