Expanded polypropylene as part of FLOWAIR's technological advantage

EPP is a lightweight yet highly durable closed-cell foam material. It is formed by expanding (foaming) polypropylene granules, resulting in a durable, resilient, low-density foam. Thanks to these characteristics, EPP is widely used in the automotive and logistics industries, as well as in the manufacture of modern HVAC equipment, such as our solutions at FLOWAIR. Remember: EPP is not polystyrene! 

What advantages does EPP have?

• Lightweight - reduces the overall weight of the equipment, which makes it easier to transport, install and reduces energy consumption.
• Thermal and acoustic insulation - excellent insulation performance makes EPP effective in promoting energy efficiency in heating and ventilation systems.
• Resistance to chemicals and moisture - EPP does not soak up water and is resistant to most chemicals, extending the life of equipment.
• Cushioning and mechanical resistance - the foam effectively absorbs vibrations and impacts, protecting delicate components.
• Recyclability - EPP is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly material.
   

At FLOWAIR, we focus on thoughtful technological applications that bring real benefits to customers and the environment. Together with our Scandinavian partner, we calculated what difference in CO2 emissions is generated by the production and transportation of our LEO water heater, compared to a competing steel-clad solution. A heater that can operate at a low heating parameter, the LEO L3, was selected for comparison. 

The total CO₂ emissions associated with the production and transportation of the LEO L3NP heater is 37.13 kg CO₂, while for a comparable unit with a steel casing it reaches 76.91 kg CO₂ [Scandinavian market]. 

That's nearly 50% fewer emissions per product. A key factor in this difference is the much lower weight of the EPP enclosure (about 2 kg) compared to the steel enclosure (23 kg), which affects the emissions associated with material production, but also the lower costs associated with lower fuel consumption by transport.

This approach shows that conscious design using modern plastics can have a real and measurable impact on reducing the carbon footprint.
 

At FLOWAIR, we have been using EPP technology for more than 12 years, which has translated into better and more thoughtful solutions that are still in our portfolio today. We use expanded polypropylene in four key products: OXeN, LEO, LEO COOL and Luna.

• OXeN - ventilation with heat recovery

  In OXeN, the outer casing is made entirely of expanded polypropylene. This solution made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the unit and come down to only 75-82 kg, which allows its installation by a single installer, without the need for heavy equipment. The use of EPP also ensures effective acoustic and thermal insulation and tightness of the structure, which translates into high energy efficiency and comfort. 

• LEO – Hydronic fan heater

  The EPP casing has also been used in LEO fan heaters, which has reduced the weight of the device - the lightest models weigh as little as 10.4 kg. This makes the installation of the heaters fast and convenient, possible to be carried out by one person. The EPP housing also increases the device's resistance to mechanical damage and provides good thermal insulation.

• LEO Cool - cooling and heating in one

  Another device that uses the EPP solution is LEO Cool. Thanks to the use of this material, the housing has benefited from a reduction in weight, which, depending on the model, ranges from 23 to 36 kg. Installation is quick and trouble-free, and use is quiet and energy-efficient. In addition, EPP improves the insulation of the housing and increases resistance to mechanical damage, which affects the longevity of the unit.

• Luna - compact heating and ventilation unit

  In the Luna unit, expanded polypropylene plays an important structural and functional role. The casing of the unit is designed in such a way that EPP provides not only adequate structural rigidity, but, above all, effective thermal and acoustic insulation. This solution makes it possible to achieve high energy efficiency while maintaining the unit's compact form and aesthetics - making Luna an ideal choice for offices, commercial spaces or public facilities. 

The use of expanded polypropylene in FLOWAIR's products is an expression of a consistently implemented development strategy based on innovation and technological efficiency. Thanks to the properties of EPP, the company has gained the ability to design solutions with better mechanical, thermal and acoustic parameters, while simplifying production processes.

This approach, without a doubt, sets a new standard in HVAC component design and represents a real technological advantage for FLOWAIR in the market.