Bio-based EPLA particle foam for EPS systems at Fakuma 2026

Nexofoam at Fakuma 2026 Bio-based particle foam for EPS plants

2026-10-06 Source: Press Release Matthias Gutbrod 2 min Reading Time

At Fakuma 2026, the Fraunhofer spin-off Nexofoam will showcase a fully bio-based particle foam that can be processed on existing EPS lines without any machine modifications. Compared to EPS, the foam reduces the CO₂ footprint by up to 80 percent and opens up new avenues for decarbonization for processors.

From compact EPLA granules to fully foamed insulation boards: This bio-based particle foam material can be processed as a drop-in solution on existing EPS molding machines.(Bild: Nexofoam) — From compact EPLA granules to fully foamed insulation boards: This bio-based particle foam material can be processed as a drop-in solution on existing EPS molding machines.
(Bild: Nexofoam)

At Fakuma 2026, the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT, together with its spin-off Nexofoam, will present the latest developments in foam technology. The focus will be on the industrially viable EPLA particle foam, which was developed and patented at Fraunhofer ICT. The abbreviation EPLA stands for Expanded Polylactide. It is a bio-based, foamable particle foam made from polylactic acid (PLA).

The product is being launched through the spin-off Nexofoam as a compact, expandable granulate. On-site expansion at the processor’s facility reduces transport volume and logistical effort compared to pre-expanded material.

Process Compatibility on EPS Processing Lines

The bio-based foam is designed as a direct drop-in solution for established EPS processing lines. Plastics processors can continue to use existing automatic molding machines, molds, and material handling systems without any modifications. This minimizes the required investment costs and reduces the technical risk associated with the transition to more sustainable polymer materials. The processing logic closely follows the parameters of conventional polystyrene processing.

Key Characteristics and Environmental Benefits

In terms of materials, EPLA is based on plant-based raw materials and, according to Fraunhofer ICT, has a CO₂ footprint that is up to 80 percent lower than that of fossil-based EPS. With a thermal conductivity of 29 to 33 mW/(m·K), the material achieves the same level of insulation as established insulation materials. In addition, EPLA meets fire class E according to EN ISO 13501.

These properties are complemented by full recyclability and biodegradability, which meet the requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Foams for Peak Performance

In addition to EPLA, Nexofoam’s trade show portfolio includes other developments for technical particulate foam applications. These include a heat-resistant particulate foam based on modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) for components subjected to thermal stress. The company is also introducing high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS) designed for structural applications. These materials expand the range of applications for particle foams in automotive engineering and industrial functional components.

INFO

Nexofoam at Fakuma 2026:
At the Fraunhofer ICT booth, Hall B2, Booth 2104

Want to attend Fakuma for free with PlastXnow? Simply enter the code SUAGL-L28JU on the registration page.

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta).

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.