Friend's Thermopole Industry

Frequently Asked Questions

Thermopole Insulation

What is EPS / Thermopole?

It is a closed-cell foam made from pre-expanded polystyrene beads — about 98% air — making it lightweight yet an excellent thermal insulator. This material is widely used across industries for insulation, void-filling, packaging, and more.

Are “Styrofoam” and “Thermopole” the same?

Yes — “Styrofoam” is a brand by a global chemical company for expanded polystyrene; “Thermopole” is the local/trade name used in Pakistan for the same EPS material.

Why is building insulation important?

Insulation reduces the transfer of external heat into buildings (and vice versa), maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. In hot climates, it can lower peak indoor temperatures by several degrees — reducing energy costs for cooling, and improving building comfort and energy efficiency.

What is R-value and why does it matter?

R-value measures how well a material resists heat flow: higher R-value = better insulation. When selecting insulation, R-value per inch is a key metric — and EPS insulation like Thermopole offers good R-value compared to cost and ease of use.

Can EPS insulation be used in existing buildings?

Yes — though best results come when installed during construction (sandwiched between layers). Retrofitting is possible, but may cost more and involve more labor.

Is EPS (Thermopole) resistant to moisture and water?

Yes — closed-cell EPS absorbs very little water (less than ~2%) and retains its insulating properties even in contact with moisture.

Does EPS lose its effectiveness if exposed to sunlight?

Prolonged exposure may cause surface discoloration or slight surface dusting, but its insulation performance remains largely unaffected. Still, we recommend EPS be used between building layers, not left exposed.

Is it possible to manufacture Thermopole sheets with a density higher than 40 kg/m³?

Yes, it is possible to manufacturer Thermopole Sheets at density of upto 300kg/m³.

Pipe Insulation

What is pipe insulation using EPS, and where is it used?

EPS pipe insulation consists of semicircular shells sized to pipe diameter, used in chilled-water lines, hot-water systems, HVAC ducts, industrial piping — anywhere temperature control or condensation prevention is needed.

Can EPS pipe insulation be installed on existing pipes?

Yes — the two halves are placed around existing pipes, then sealed/covered (often with foil-kraft facing).

Is EPS pipe insulation hygienic (e.g. safe for food, pharmaceutical, etc.)?

Yes. Properly manufactured EPS pipe shells resist fungi and bacterial growth — making them suitable for food-processing, dairy, chemical, HVAC, and other hygiene-sensitive environments.

What information is needed to get a quote for EPS pipe insulation?

Typically: the nominal diameter of the pipe, the type of pipe (steel, PVC, etc.), the required insulation density and thickness.

Packaging / Molded EPS (Molded Packaging)

Why use EPS (Thermopole) for packaging?

EPS offers high shock absorbency, excellent compressive strength, and is lightweight — ideal for protecting fragile or delicate items during transport or storage.

Is molded EPS packaging made to custom shapes/dimensions?

Yes — EPS can be molded into any shape using specialized molding machines (manual or automatic) to meet specific packaging requirements.

Is EPS packaging durable in damp or wet conditions?

Yes — the compressive strength and shock absorption properties remain even when the material comes into contact with water.

What kinds of products are commonly packed with EPS packaging?

Fragile appliances, delicate goods, temperature-sensitive items, industrial parts — anything requiring cushioning, moisture-resistant, and lightweight packaging.