What is a Cornice?
A cornice is a decorative finish used in homes to neatly finish off the join between the wall and ceiling. It can be attached with nails however with new technology and the use or polystyrene cornices the process of installing the finish has become a lot faster and can now easily be glued into place.
What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene. Basically it is a hard quite brittle plastic, typically used in CD cases, disposable razors, plastic, cutlery etc
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is this same brittle plastic that is foamed using a gas, generally Butane or Pentane. EPS is typically used in insulation for cold rooms, packing material, disposable plates and cups etc.
The Manufacturing Process
EPS is created in a two-stage process: Raw beads are expanded using steam, creating pre puff beads, which are then cured in large bags before being conveyed to the mould. Once in the mould, the pre puff beads are again steamed to form a block that is 2550mm x 1250mm x 960mm. The blocks are then placed on the storage floor to age for the appropriate length of time before being cut into various shapes and sizes. Blocks are produced in several densities to meet specific project needs.
Elegant Cornicing is very proud to be a green manufacturer with their very own in-house recycling machine.
Why is recycling so important?
to look after it. Recycling is very important as waste has a huge negative impact on the natural environment. Plastic has an estimated lifespan in a land fill of more than 450 years. Harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from rubbish in landfill sites. Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste. Recycling also reduces the need for raw materials so that the environment can be preserved.
Process of recycling EPS.
Step 1 – Collect EPS that can be recycled.
Step 2 – Crush/chip the EPS and store in large storage bins (Our bins stand 6m high and hold a massive volume)
Step 3 – Transfer material to a 2 process extruding and pelletising line (see below)
Less than 10% of plastic manufactured worldwide is recycled as opposed to more than 90% of steel. Weight for weight plastic is actually more expensive than steel making it a very valuable commodity that is completely overlooked.