EPP is a special high-performance foam material of foamed polypropylene; While "foam" is a general term for a class of porous plastic materials (including EPS, EPE, PUR, etc.), the two are species rather than parallel. ‌‌

Generally speaking, "foam" refers to EPS (expanded polystyrene/white styrofoam). If this is the case, the core differences are as follows:

Comparison of core differences

Essential definition: EPP is a polypropylene based closed cell foam material; Ordinary foam (EPS) is a polystyrene based foaming material, belonging to different chemical substrates.

Resilience and rebound: EPP has high elasticity, quickly recovers after compression, and can withstand repeated impacts without breaking; EPS is hard, brittle, and inelastic, prone to pulverization and fracture under heavy impact, and belongs to disposable energy absorption.

Temperature resistance range: EPP can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 ℃ to 130 ℃ and can be sterilized by microwave/steam; EPS can only withstand temperatures of about 60-80 ℃, is prone to deformation at high temperatures, and may release odors.

Environmental attributes: EPP is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, non-toxic and odorless, food grade; EPS is difficult to degrade, toxic when burned, and can easily cause "white pollution", which is restricted in many places.

Cost and application: EPP has a high cost and is used for automotive collision cores, high-end cold chains, and child safety seats; EPS has low cost and is used for ordinary express filling, building insulation, and disposable packaging. ‌‌

Quick identification method

Press test: Press firmly, EPP will quickly rebound without any trace after being depressed; EPS is prone to permanent deformation or slagging and fragmentation.

Bending test: EPP can be repeatedly bent without breaking; EPS is prone to producing brittle sounds and breaking when bent.

Scenario judgment: EPP is often used for repeated use, contact with food or automotive safety components; Low cost disposable packaging is mostly made of EPS. ‌‌