Polystyrene Consumption in Slovakia Rises, High Demand in Construction

Bratislava, 12 April (TASR) – The consumption of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in Slovakia increased last year, reaching 27,372 tonnes and representing a year-on-year rise of around 4 percent, which, according to the EPS Association, confirms the continuing importance of insulation as a measure to reduce the energy intensity of buildings. The largest share of EPS consumption has long been directed into the construction sector. In 2025, this amounted to 21,862 tonnes, with the remainder consisting mainly of products for the packaging industry. According to the EPS Association, current data confirm that the material remains key particularly in building renovation. Building insulation is among the most effective ways to save energy, as confirmed by state subsidy programmes. Under the Renew Your House scheme, as many as 85 percent of house owners opted for insulation. "When people decide where to invest in renovation, they most often choose insulation because it delivers the most visible effect on energy bills," said Juraj Urban, executive director of the EPS Association. The average saving in primary energy after implementing these measures reaches approximately 58 percent, according to available data. "State subsidies help to unlock investments that many households would otherwise postpone," added Urban. EPS consumption trends in recent years have mirrored the broader economic situation. After a significant drop in 2023, when consumption fell by around 22 percent to 23,775 tonnes, a gradual recovery followed. In 2024, consumption increased to 26,282 tonnes, and the upward trend continued last year. The association expects demand for insulation materials to remain stable in the near future. In the short term, it may be affected by fluctuations in raw material prices due to the geopolitical situation, especially in the Middle East, and by seasonally higher demand at the start of the construction season. However, experts don't anticipate any long-term market disruption or material shortages. mf/df/ko