A material that outperforms XPS. What is it?

 

Looking for good insulation? Most people still choose XPS — after all, for years it has been considered the gold standard of insulation. Lightweight, durable, and easy to install — it seemed to have it all. But does it really?

In a world increasingly focused on healthy, sustainable construction, awareness is growing that synthetic materials, though cheap to produce, are not always the best choice. That’s why a new question keeps emerging: is there a material that can combine technology and nature — and outperform XPS in every way that truly matters?

It turns out there is. And although its history goes back hundreds of years, today it’s making a comeback in a modern form, ready to redefine what insulation means.

 

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. XPS – the gold standard or an overrated classic?
3. Introducing the natural material
4. Comparison with XPS
5. Summary
6. FAQ
 

 

 

XPS – the gold standard or an overrated classic?

 

For years, XPS, or extruded polystyrene, was considered an almost perfect insulation material. Made from petroleum-based plastics, it is known for its light weight, resistance to moisture, and good thermal performance. It’s no surprise that it became a staple in construction projects — from foundations to roofs. It’s easy to cut, doesn’t absorb water, and retains its properties for a long time. In theory — a flawless material.

However, the more we learn about its impact on health and the environment, the harder it is to admire XPS in the same way. Its production requires a lot of energy, and the material itself is made from non-renewable resources. Moreover, XPS hardly decomposes and is extremely difficult to recycle — most panels eventually end up in landfills, where they remain for decades.

Health concerns are also important. During use, XPS can release styrene — a chemical compound that, in high concentrations, can be harmful to both people and the environment. In closed, poorly ventilated spaces, it may affect air quality and overall well-being.

 

 

Here it comes: the natural material that changes the game

 

Enter expanded natural cork — a material that perfectly combines the best of nature and technology. Its production process can hardly be called industrial in the traditional sense: it’s pure physics of nature. Cork granules are exposed to steam and high temperatures, causing the natural resin contained in the bark — suberin — to bind them into a solid, durable board. No glues, no chemicals, no additives. Just natural cork and heat.

The result? A completely natural, non-toxic, and human-friendly material. It emits no styrene, microplastics, or volatile organic compounds. Unlike XPS, which is produced from petroleum-based polymers, natural cork has a negative carbon footprint — its production not only avoids CO₂ emissions but actually helps remove it from the atmosphere. Even better, harvesting cork doesn’t require cutting down trees — the bark of the cork oak regenerates after each harvest, leaving the forest intact.

In an era where the concept of healthy building is gaining importance, expanded natural cork fits it perfectly. It releases no toxins, contributes to clean indoor air, and supports a healthy microclimate. It’s a choice that literally “breathes with the building.”

It’s also hard to beat in terms of durability — it doesn’t deform, crack, or rot and maintains its performance for decades. And when its life cycle finally ends, it can simply be reused or composted. No waste, no landfills, no compromises.

 

 

Comparison: XPS vs expanded natural cork

 

Although XPS has long been a symbol of reliable insulation, it’s increasingly being replaced by solutions that provide not only warmth but also health and sustainability.

When it comes to thermal performance, the differences are minimal — the thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) for expanded natural cork is around 0.037–0.040 W/mK, while for XPS it’s about 0.032–0.036 W/mK. However, cork’s advantage becomes clear over time: its properties remain stable for decades, whereas XPS gradually loses some of its efficiency as gases diffuse out of its structure.

In terms of acoustic insulation, natural cork easily outperforms XPS. Thanks to its cellular structure, it effectively absorbs both airborne and impact sounds — it’s a naturally sound-absorbing material that XPS simply can’t replicate.

 

 

Summary

 

For years, XPS was seen as the benchmark for modern insulation — lightweight, efficient, and moisture-resistant. However, today, as we place greater emphasis on health, ecology, and the quality of our living environment, it’s becoming clear that there is a material capable of doing even more. Expanded natural cork isn’t just an alternative — it’s the new standard.

It combines excellent technical performance with full harmony with nature. It insulates homes from both cold and noise, emits no toxins, is environmentally friendly, and lasts for decades without losing its properties. Its life cycle is a model of sustainability — from raw material harvesting to long-term use, and finally reuse or composting.

Compared to XPS, which relies on fossil-based raw materials and difficult recycling, expanded natural cork proves that truly modern construction doesn’t compromise between efficiency and ecology.

 

 

FAQ

 

1. What exactly is expanded natural cork?
Expanded natural cork is a 100% natural insulation material. Under the influence of steam and high temperature, the granules bind together thanks to a natural resin — suberin. It requires no chemical additives, glues, or synthetic resins.

2. Is it safe for health?
Absolutely. Natural cork emits no toxins, styrene, or microplastics. It contains no volatile organic compounds (VOC), which improves indoor air quality. It’s an ideal choice for those who value a healthy, natural living environment.

3. Why is cork more eco-friendly than XPS?
The production of cork has a negative carbon footprint — cork oak forests absorb more CO₂ than is emitted during processing. The bark regenerates every few years, so no trees need to be cut down. XPS, on the other hand, is made from petroleum and is difficult to recycle, putting a heavy burden on the environment.

4. How long does cork retain its properties?
For several decades. It is resistant to aging, doesn’t lose structure, doesn’t absorb excessive moisture, and doesn’t deform. It’s a material that can quite literally “outlive” the building itself.

5. Is expanded natural cork more expensive than XPS?
When you consider its durability, natural origin, and the fact that it doesn’t require replacement or disposal, the overall lifetime cost of a building is actually lower compared to XPS.

6. Why are more architects and investors choosing cork?
Because it’s a material of the future — combining technological performance with ecological responsibility. It supports the healthy building concept, improves acoustics, stabilizes the indoor climate, and perfectly aligns with sustainable construction standards.

 

Invest in insulation that stands the test of time — and helps build a better future. Learn more and discover why expanded natural cork outperforms XPS in every way.