Extruded foam polystyrene production originated in the early 20^th century. The innovative technology developer was The Dow Chemical Company. That technology came to be unique because the process of extrusion allowed to produce extruded polystyrene with closed cells. Basic characteristics of the new material were the following: minimum water absorption, high specific strength and heat-insulating effect. For the first time ever, this type of polystyrene was made use of in 1942 to build a six-person raft for US coast guard. Later, this material came into use in other military facilities.

Nowadays, extruded foam polystyrene production is one of the most promising technologies in the production of heat insulating materials. Extrusion technology enables the manufacturer to produce a brand new material which chemical structure differs essentially from that of regular foamed polystyrene (expanded foam). This material is used mainly in construction works. A piecemeal replacement of the regular expanded polystyrene by extruded foam polystyrene has already become a worldwide tendency. Particularly, in the USA the usage of expanded polystyrene has already been banned. For reference – extruded foam polystyrene production involves the usage of environmentally safe freons as foam agents which makes the production safe for the ozone layer.