XPS insulation boards used in the construction industry within the European community need the CE-marking. To fulfil the requirements for the CE-marking initial type testing (ITT) and factory production control (FPC) with specified product testing frequencies have to be implemented by the manufacturer.

XPS product-labelling
CE-marking according to DIN EN 13164 is placed either on the individual XPS insulation boards or on labels on the packaging. Obligatory marking data are the product name, manufacturer, production year, fire performance class, length, width, thickness, declared thermal conductivity and thermal resistance. The identification key declares further product characteristics. This identification key must contain all product characteristics that are required for the various applications of the respective product. According to the European product standard EN 13164, the following identifications are used:

	Characteristic Identification acc. to DIN EN 13164 Nominal value of thermal conductivity λD Nominal value of thermal resistance RD Fire Performance (Euro classes) B, C, D, E Compressive strength or compressive stress at 10 % compression CS(10\Y)x Tensile strength perpendicular to the surface TRx Compressive creep CC(i1/i2/y)x Long term water absorption by immersion WL(T)x Long term water absorption by diffusion WD(V)x Freeze-thaw resistance FT1 ; FT2 Water-vapour diffusion resistance factor MUx Dimensional stability at defined temperature DS(T+) Dimensional stability at defined temperature and humidity DS(TH) Deformation under specified compressive load and temperature conditions DLT(i) x Thickness tolerances T i

An example for an identification key look as follows:

	XPS – EN 13164 –T1–CS(10\Y)300–DS(TH)-DLT(2)5–CC(2/1,5/50)100–WD(V)3–FT2

Quality assurance: Internal quality control
EN 13164 obliges the manufacturers to conduct an internal production control, also called quality control or quality assurance. The manufacturers perform these internal product controls also in their own interest, since permanent product analysis and product optimisation create the opportunity for the efficient use of raw materials and energy that will additionally lead to waste reduction. The production process is therefore not only subject to external and internal controls but also to permanent improvements, which, of course, take place within the limits of the legal requirements and provisions.

Which approvals exist for XPS?
XPS insulation materials have been successful in building construction applications. Constructions with XPS are considered to be safe and cost-efficient, provided that they are applied under correct physical conditions and in accordance with national safety requirements and building regulations.
For some specific applications some national approvals have to be taken into account.

How does XPS get recycled?
In today’s world, the notion „recycling“ is a favourite and frequently used buzzword, as it is unconsciously put on a level with „ecological“ and „environmental friendly“. However, it would be more appropriate to speak of a responsible and environmentally safe waste management. Yet, the word “waste” has negative and misleading connotations. Nevertheless today responsible waste management comprises the four areas of reduction, “reutilisation”, “recycling“ and “disposal“, i.e. incineration with energy recovery.