Al Sharq Polystyrene Factory (StayroMax) has capitalised on the insulation qualities of its products and developed into one of the prominent players in its field.

The company, established in 1995, produces some 7,200 tonnes of high-quality StayroMax range of products, which include roof and wall panels to thermally insulate buildings, block inserts, all kinds of decoration shapes for masonry works, hordi blocks for ceilings, industrial packing and pipe insulation.
 A company spokesman said Al Sharq had witnessed a business surge, having established a sizable market in Saudi Arabia and made inroads into Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. It now hopes to penetrate the UAE market.
A company spokesman, elaborating on the importance of polystyrene, said: “Soaring energy costs and energy availability problems have emphasised the need to converse energy. An effective way of saving energy is to improve the thermal insulation of the buildings, particularly important in hot climates where the energy demand for cooling by air conditioning is very high. In addition to the need for energy saving, high insulation standards also offer improved comfort levels and increased building life.
“Polystyrene products play a major role in energy conservation.  Polystyrene has the following characteristics:  it saves 50 per cent in electrical consumption; it is a good shock absorbent; it is soundproof, light weight and can be cut in all sizes and volumes; it is free from chemicals and side effects; it does not absorb water and humidity; it is not harmful to human health and properties and does not emit poisonous gases in the event of a fire; and it conforms to Saudi and international specifications and standards measurements.”
The spokesman observed that polystyrene was available in two types based on the manufacturing process: expanded (moulded) polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS).
“EPS, a moulded, closed cell/cellular plastic made from petrochemicals derived from crude oil, is a unique material, having excellent insulating qualities. Being lightweight, strong and resilient, non-corrosive and a dimensionally stable material, it can be moulded into blocks and is available in many different densities and thickness,” he said.
“EPS foam used as thermal insulation reduces harmful air emissions by saving resources and energy, which would be consumed due to greater heating and air conditioning requirements.
“It is an efficient, effective and environmentally safe thermal insulation material, which does not use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) or HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) in its manufacture; and is hence non-toxic and inert.”
Al Sharq offers insulating blocks manufactured from the expanded polystyrene in two thickness sizes (6 cm and 7.5 cm). These are inserted inside concrete hollow blocks, thereby reducing block weight and increasing heat insulation capacity.
Extruded polystyrene - XPS - follows a continuous extrusion process that imparts a characteristic closed cell structure, which gives the product its unique physical properties, said the spokesman.
XPS rigid foam has a high resistance to water absorption and good mechanical properties. The manufacturing process, combined with the inherent qualities of the inert component thermoplastic material gives XPS predictable long-term performance and high insulating value, according to him.
Al Sharq produces insulating sheets with different densities ranging between 16 kg/cu m and 35 kg/cu m and can be cut into various sizes and thickness as per client requirements. Using computerised machines, the company can manufacture decorative shapes and forms such as arches, stoops, partitions, and domes. The material can be used in insulating walls, roofs, and grounds as well as in protecting fragile materials such as glass, mirrors and electrical instruments during transportation.
“Much of the company’s success stems from its ability to offer high-quality products. Al Sharq Polystyrene Factory has a well-equipped quality control department with modern measuring and analytical instruments as well as qualified, trained and experienced staff,” the spokesman said.
“Every required raw material and finished product is systematically sampled and analysed in our laboratory to confirm that they meet specified quality standards. Continuous chemical and physical analyses are conducted during production to ensure specifications are met and a certificate of analyses is issued to accompany shipments to customers.”