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Is Polystyrene and Styrofoam the Same in South Africa?

In South Africa, the terms “polystyrene” and “Styrofoam” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not technically the same. Polystyrene is the generic name for the plastic material made from polymerized styrene, while Styrofoam is a brand name. Styrofoam is actually a brand of extruded polystyrene (XPS) made by Dow Chemical. Most of the white, lightweight foam sheets and blocks used in insulation, craft, and packaging are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), not true Styrofoam.

What’s the Real Difference?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is created by expanding polystyrene beads into a durable, lightweight foam. It’s commonly used for insulation in residential and commercial buildings, as well as for packaging, displays, and craft projects. Despite people calling it “Styrofoam,” it’s really EPS in most cases.

Popular in SA Construction

In South Africa, EPS sheets and boards have become a trusted choice for ceiling panels, underfloor heating insulation, and even for concrete void formers. EPS is known for being cost-effective, easy to work with, and energy efficient.

Talk to the Experts

  • If you’re not sure what’s right for your project, our team can help. We offer tailored advice and solutions to ensure your polystyrene sheets or boards meet all your needs for quality, performance, and value.

Where to Find High-Quality Polystyrene

We supply polystyrene sheets, blocks, ceiling boards, and insulation products nationwide from hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, George, East London, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, and Bloemfontein


Our polystyrene products meet local building standards and offer reliable performance for all your insulation, construction, and creative needs.

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Pine-Finish ISO Ceiling Boards

Retail & bulk national supply from:​

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth

East London

George

Nelspruit

Bloemfontein​

Custom-Cut Polystyrene Sheets & Blocks

Custom-Cut Polystyrene Sheets & Blocks

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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PolyWall - Polystyrene Wall Insulation Boards

Medium-Density Wall Insulation

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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PolyVoid - Standard Size Polystyrene Void Formers

Standard Void Formers To Raise Concrete Slabs

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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Warehouse ISO Ceiling Boards

Retail & bulk national supply from:​

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Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth

East London

George

Nelspruit

Bloemfontein​

Polystyrene Letters, Numbers, Shapes & Branding

Shapes, Letters & Numbers

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town​​

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PolyRoof Polystyrene Roof Insulation Boards

High-Density Concrete Roof Insulation

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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Polysttyrene Decking Blocks

Polystyrene Decking Blocks (Slabs)

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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Standard Polystyrene Sheets & Blocks

Standard Size Sheets & Blocks

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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High-Density Polystyrene Floor Insulation Boards

High-Density Polystyrene Floor Insulation

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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Custom-Cut Polystyrene Void Formers

Custom Void Formers To Raise Concrete Slabs

Retail & bulk national supply from:

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Durban

Port Elizabeth​

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