The consumption of polystyrene in the Czech Republic has declined for the first time since 2000

Prague - Last year, the consumption of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in the Czech Republic decreased by 9.3 percent year-on-year to 50,000 tons. This is the first decline since 2000. The new figures were presented today at a press conference by the EPS Association of the Czech Republic. Statistics confirmed earlier estimates by manufacturers.
    According to the association, last year's results were influenced not only by the economic crisis but also by the slow start of the Green Savings and New Panel programs. These programs provide state subsidies for insulating buildings.
    Polystyrene producers believe that consumption will grow again this year. "Until now, polystyrene has been widely used in the construction of new buildings, such as administrative buildings or office centers. This year, we anticipate an increase in consumption, especially during the renovation of older houses," said the association's chairman Pavel Zemene.
    Other European countries had better polystyrene consumption last year than the Czech Republic. For example, Switzerland reported a 20 percent increase, Austria by 10 percent, Sweden by 8 percent, and Germany by 4 percent. In Slovakia, however, EPS consumption decreased by 4.1 percent year-on-year to 28,000 tons.
    Polystyrene is mainly used in the Czech Republic as an insulating material in construction, where it accounts for up to 78 percent of production. Conversely, the share of polystyrene used in the form of packaging is decreasing.
    Domestic producers are also hoping for increased demand from the development of new materials. They have currently developed a new generation of thermal insulation boards based on nanotechnology. Their insulating properties are reportedly up to 20 percent better than classic polystyrene. The new material has a gray color, and its price is approximately one-fifth higher than that of classic polystyrene.
    
Development of expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumption in the Czech Republic:

Year	Tons
2000	18,651
2001	20,443
2002	22,664
2003	27,728
2004	31,029
2005	33,632
2006	40,000
2007	48,400
2008	55,100
2009	50,000