Press Releases

Just one year ago, ACH Foam Technologies changed the insulation industry by releasing Foam-Control Plus+, an architectural grade expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation. With a range of compressive strengths and a high R-value, Foam-Control Plus+ is a premium grade insulation, but at a lower cost than other rigid foam insulations.

The Denver-based EPS Company Leases an Additional 40,000 sf in Fond du Lac. ACH Foam Technologies (ACH Foam), the industry leader in expanded polystyrene (EPS) manufacturing, will be adding a second facility in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. With 40,000 additional square feet, the facility at 1739 Fox Ridge Drive will allow the company to meet the rising demand for high quality EPS foam products. The new space is scheduled to open in January, 2015.

Denver, CO—Recent efforts in California, Chicago and New York to ban EPS products such as packing peanuts and foodservice items are being challenged by environmentalists and industry experts who argue that the bans will do more harm than good. While EPS foam was once thought to be environmentally unfriendly, the new study “Impact of Plastics Packaging on Life Cycle Energy Consumption & Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US & Canada Substitution Analysis” proves otherwise.

Denver, CO—In this decade of emerging technologies that seek to decrease our carbon footprint, SIPs have come of age. More and more architects and builders are thinking out of the box when designing with SIPs—creating beautiful buildings that approach net zero energy use—and offering some surprising extras—while incorporating aesthetically pleasing design elements. SIPs have been employed creatively to achieve multiple benefits for the owners and occupants.

Fond du Lac, WI - SIPs Score for Tennis Court Conversion Located between Lake Wingra and the West Beltline Highway in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum features the restored prairies, forests and wetlands of pre-settlement Wisconsin. This 1,260-acre arboretum also houses flowering trees, shrubs and a world-famous lilac collection.

Denver, CO - Today a spotlight is shining on EPS Geofoam as a material with great potential for protecting pipelines. Sewer and water pipelines are vulnerable to faulting, seismic activity and other movements of the earth. In December of 2013, Bartlett’s research on EPS Geofoam was put to use in the repair of a severed sewer pipe in Brian Head, Utah. This was the second time this sewer line had been severed due to the dewatering of a deep sandy layer beneath the pipe, which resulted in significant consolidation, settlement, deep cracks, and fissures.

Denver, CO - About 30 miles east of Salina, Utah, nestled in the western bituminous region of Sevier County, is Convulsion Canyon. This is home for a productive Southern Utah Fuel Co. underground coal mine, where a longwall mining system and continuous miner units extract more than 6 million tons of coal each year. The installation of expanded polystyrene (EPS) 29 geofoam, with a termite resistance treatment, looked to be a good solution. So the construction company installed 28,000ft³ of the termite-resistant EPS 29 geofoam.

Denver, CO — ACH Foam Technologies announced today the EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA) released its 2012 bi-annual recycling report, which shows a steady rise in recycling rates of expanded polystyrene. To better track EPS recycling trends, the association gathers data to reflect both post-residential and post-commercial collection streams. The 2012 results show a substantial increase in the amount of post-industrial pounds recycled based on data received from fifty-one EPS manufacturers and independent recyclers in the United States.

DENVER—ACH Foam Technologies has provided EPS geofoam for several construction projects in the Windy City—among them, Millenium Park, Soldier’s Field, and most recently—the Gary-Chicago International Airport roadway expansion and the Metra 35th Street train station accessing White Sox US Cellular Park.

Denver, CO—ACH Foam Technologies, manufacturer of Foam-Control Plus+ architectural grade EPS insulation, announces exciting news for the built environment. Foam-Control Plus+ is configured to be easily compared across the board with XPS products. ACH is able to achieve this through three industry firsts.

Denver, CO—ACH Foam Technologies, maker of WineLoc® thermal summer wine shippers, has reconfigured their design to offer added packaging options and increased protection of bottles during transit. ACH developed the WineLoc® package system to provide wineries and distributors a constant stable temperature for approximately 72 hours—allowing wines to be shipped in the hot summer months. Tested to meet ISTA-7E temperature standards, the 2-, 6-, and 12-pack EPS foam units are contained within a corrugated cardboard outer carton and utilize specially designed pockets that hold frozen gel refrigerants and allow internal airflow.

Denver, CO - DENVER, CO—A multimillion-dollar Center for Student Life will serve as the focal point for students at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois beginning fall term of 2013. The college’s centerpiece of academic life has been re-energized with the addition of 35,000 square feet and two new functions—dining services and student activities, designed by BLDD Architects. An additional 39,000 square feet of the previous library structure will also be renovated. It’s a groundbreaking project that depicts a new concept in student-centered college life.

There are several methods for mitigating the effects of seismic activity on infrastructure, the most notable being the use of EPS Geofoam as a seismic buffer for buried structures and rigid retaining walls. Six years ago, Canadian engineers Richard Bathurst, Saman Zarnani and Andrew Gaskin showed with shaking table testing and numerical modeling2, that geofoam could reduce the seismic forces on rigid retaining walls.

Creating Community: YouthBuild-HAKC Raises Green Home for Homeless in Two Weeks. Public housing rarely gets the attention of the USGBC, but Oz Qureshi wants to change that. As Construction Manager for the Kansas City Housing Authority’s YouthBuild program, Oz decided to make this single family home a standout example of how green building can benefit all stakeholders: the resident family, at-risk-youth who had the opportunity to build it, the taxpayers and the environment. “Homelessness is a social issue we can’t control,“ said Qureshi. “But a poorly insulated home is something we can address. We wanted to demonstrate that, even with public housing, you can build as green as you want to go. And greener public housing helps to solve other contingent problems."

DENVER, CO—As Wayne Gardner hauls cranberries between two cold storage facilities on the Badger State Fruit Processing property in Pittsville, Wisconsin, he gives the “thumbs-up” to plant manager Mark Konrardy for a job well done. Gardner, owner of Badger State Fruit Processing, is getting ready for the new cranberry harvest, which happens in just a few short weeks. Badger State stores 200 million pounds of cranberries in two cold storage buildings—which represents about 50% of Wisconsin’s enormous crop. With Wisconsin’s claim to the largest cranberry-producing state in the union, that’s no small potatoes. According to Gardner, Wisconsin harvests about 52% of the world’s cranberries.

Denver, CO—ACH Foam Technologies has answered market demands with a new Wineloc™ recycled content Summer Wine shipper. ACH developed the new 6- and 12-pack wine shippers to provide a constant stable temperature for approximately 72 hours. This package system, designed to meet ISTA-7E temperature testing profile, protects wine from the harsh high temperatures that often occur in transit during the summer months.

Denver,CO - ACH Foam Technologies launched a new EPS architectural grade insulation that matches XPS products in compressive strength and R-value, yet costs significantly less. The new product, Foam-Control® Plus+™, has the added advantage of a stronger warranty and superior moisture resistance. It is also available in thicknesses well beyond the ranges offered by XPS products.

Denver, CO—In 1985, when Jack Nicklaus went to Atlanta to build his first golf course, he was seeking a special place to create one of his masterpieces. In his search for something unique, he found a gated community called The Country Club of the South. Nicklaus’ first Atlanta venture became the famous 18-hole golf course known for the Champions Tour and hosting such golf greats as Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Bob Murphy, Isao Aoki, and Dave Stockton.

Washington IA — ACH Foam Technologies, a leader in EPS (expanded polystyrene) manufacturing, has expanded its Washington, Iowa plant and added eight jobs. The new building doubles the plant’s square footage from 40,000 sq ft. to 80,000 sq ft. to accommodate a new line of shape molding capabilities for its packaging and OEM customers. Plant tours are offered upon request.

DENVER, CO — In 2008, Construction Management General Contractor Stacy Witbeck started early reviewing the preliminary design for the Utah Transit Authority (UTA)’s TRAX airport extension from downtown Salt Lake City valued at $200 million. The light rail extension travels along North Temple to the Salt Lake City International Airport.

DENVER, CO — The recently released 2010 EPS Recycling Rate Report conducted by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) demonstrates incremental growth in the amount of EPS (expanded polystyrene) recycling since the 1990s. The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers releases recycling rates every 2 years. Total EPS recycling increased to 71.3 million pounds in 2010.

Denver, CO - What do Myriad Genetics, the University of Arkansas, Biscuit Creek, and Grove Terrace have in common? Stabilization. Stabilization. Stabilization--using EPS Geofoam. Underlying each of these retaining wall projects was a problem that pointed to Geofoam as the material of choice.

DENVER, CO — Known primarily for its use in major transportation projects, EPS Geofoam is being discovered by engineers to be the material of choice for an extensive array of commercial applications. The high compressive strength, light weight and predictable performance of Geofoam has made it especially appealing for reducing weight on concrete decks, creating green roofs, providing fill for floor elevation changes and landscapes or reducing lateral pressure on foundations and retaining walls.

McCarran, NV – ACH Foam Technologies, R-Control® Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) manufacturer, teams up with Crowley Builders to provide SIP fabrication services for the west coast market. The strategic alliance will make fabrication services more widely available and cost-effective for Western U.S. customers.

Fond du Lac, WI – A testament to the company’s track record for quality insulation, geotechnical, packaging and lost foam products, How 2 Media has selected ACH Foam Technologies to be featured on the television series “World’s Greatest! TV.”

DENVER (ACH Foam Technologies)— When Terry Schroth decided to have his new HVAC, plumbing maintenance and repair building constructed with SIPs, he had no idea what would happen on the night of Thursday, January 13th2011. Schroth had been interested in the long-term benefits of SIPs, but as fate would have it, he reaped substantial rewards on a very cold night in January before the building was finished.

DENVER, CO—ACH Foam Technologies provided over one million board feet of Foam Control EPS Roof Insulation for the Walgreens 440,000 sq. ft. distribution facility in Windsor, Wisconsin. The first phase of re-roofing was in October-November 2010. Estimated completion will be April-May of 2011. Walgreens wanted a high-performance roof that would provide better insulative properties and energy savings.

Denver, CO —A CH Foam Technologies applauded the decision by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to revise the R-value of polyisocyanurate (ISO) insulation. In The NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems – 2011, NRCA updated its design R-value recommendations for polyiso, taking into account polyiso’s loss of R-value as the material voluntarily emits low conductance gas after it is manufactured.

Denver, CO — ACH Foam Technologies’ R-Control® Structural Insulated Roof Panels (SIPs) were chosen to frame and insulate the Redford Conference Center in Sundance, Utah.

DENVER, CO — SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) are becoming a popular energy-saving building material with many advantages to builders and home-owners. SIPs can be manufactured to virtually any architectural design.

Red wine and chocolate connoisseurs were understandably enthusiastic when the authorities broadcast what we knew all along: red wine and dark chocolate are good for you! As if we needed another excuse to consume them, we stocked up on our favorite varietals and (according to a reliable source) didn’t feel the least bit guilty.

Denver, CO — ACH Foam Technologies announced the expansion of its Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) manufacturing operation into its McCarran, Nevada facility to better serve western US customers, specifically those in Nevada and Northern California. ACH Foam, headquartered in Denver, is a leading manufacturer of SIPs serving the construction industry nationwide.

Denver, CO — ACH Foam Technologies is the first EPS molder in the US to offer 60% recycled content EPS packaging, through its WineLoc wine shipping containers. ACH Foam’s WineLoc packaging uses EcoSix, a recycled molding bead by RAPAC. The first EPS packaging made of 60% or more recycled content, WineLoc offers superior protective performance – making it one of the most efficient packaging materials for the wine industry.

DENVER, CO — In December 2008 a fire in the Grand Junction, Colorado, KREX-TV studio broke out as a result of an electrical problem. Both the local fire department and BATF investigated the fire. Although it was apparent where the fire started, none of the investigators could identify the other details of its origin. The final consensus was that a natural gas heater hanging from the studio ceiling was most likely the source.

Salt Lake City, UT — The Utah Transit Authority (UTA)’s West Valley TRAX line is anticipated to be the nation’s second largest geofoam project, behind the I-15 project from 1997-2001. On June 18, 2008, UTA began construction on a line to a new West Valley city hub. The project is projected to cost $250 million and will span 5.1 miles. The West Valley line is anticipated to open in 2011 with 3,500 daily commuters.

Fond du Lac, WI — Construction of the new Uline distribution center, a million-plus square foot facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, was completed in the summer of 2009. Its massive roof required installation of 2.75 million board feet of Foam-Control® EPS insulation. Foam-Control is manufactured by ACH Foam Technologies nationwide.

Napa, CA — WineLoc Packaging Products, established in August 2009, launched an economical EPS (expanded polystyrene) wine shipping container that offers cost-effective protection and superior thermal performance for wine shipments. WineLoc EPS are distributed nationwide.

Denver, CO – ACH Foam Technologies’ R-Control structural insulated panels (SIPs) were specified to frame unique architectural features on roof sections of a Weld County Middle School. SIPs were chosen for their design flexibility and material cost savings. The school, located in Severance, CO, was designed by RB + B Architects, Inc.

Denver, CO – ACH Foam Technologies’ R-Control Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were specified to increase energy efficiency and cost savings for the Keystone Tennis Townhomes remodel which began in June, 2009.

Nationwide - The recently released 2008 EPS Recycling Rate Report compiled by R.W. Beck for the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) shows an industry-wide increase of total EPS recycling. Total EPS recycling for post-consumer and post-industrial EPS increased from 56.6 million pounds in 2006 to 69.4 million pounds in 2008, a 22.6% increase in total pounds recycled.

DENVER, CO — Rapid bridge replacement technology kept Utah traffic flowing during a structural repair of Salt Lake City’s I-215 bridge at 3300 South last summer.

FOND DU LAC, WI – ACH Foam Technologies, supplier of EPS products for construction, geotechnical, packaging, and industrial applications, won the designation of Mercury Marine’s 2008 Preferred Supplier Award on Februry 19, 2009. The award is based on excellence in quality, delivery, customer service and cost management.

DENVER, CO — ACH Foam Technologies is asking its business partners and end-users to join in a collaborative EPS (expanded polystyrene) packaging recycling effort. ACH, a major EPS manufacturer, uses a closed loop manufacturing model in the production of its EPS products. ACH manufactures EPS for packaging, construction and geotechnical applications in 10 plants across the US.

DENVER, CO — ACH Foam Technologies announced today the completion of a 15-year test to determine water absorption characteristics of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and XPS (Extruded Polystyrene). The test showed a dramatic variance between the two materials in their resistance to water absorption.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is completing a transformation this coming September. Its innovative design has already gained international recognition as a cultural icon. Under one Living Roof, the new Academy contains a planetarium, aquarium and natural history museum. The Academy expects to be the largest public LEED platinum building in the world (LEED status won’t be determined until fall of 2009).

DENVER, CO — ACH Foam Technologies announced its SecureTherm™ Composite Roof Insulation eliminates the need for cover boards in roof applications. SecureTherm™ is a high performance, light weight and water resistant expanded polystyrene (EPS) roof insulation with a factory applied durable fiberglass facer to meet UL Class A requirements.

Greensburg, KS — On the night of May 4, 2007, 95% of the homes and businesses in Greensburg, Kansas were destroyed by a massive EF5 tornado that was nearly two miles wide. Although this storm was devastating to the entire community, its rebuilding has presented Greensburg residents with an unparalleled opportunity to create a ‘green’ city from the ground up.

Denver, CO — ACH Foam Technologies has launched DuraThermTM, an extremely durable shipping container for shipping perishable meats, pharmaceuticals and other products that require thermal protection. DuraTherm is a state-of-the-art shape molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) shipping container that absorbs shock, cushions, and insulates products better than other packaging alternatives such as corrugated or molded pulp.

Denver, CO — ACH Foam Technologies announced SecureTherm™, a new development in the EPS and roof insulation market. SecureTherm™ is EPS roof insulation laminated with a fiberglass facer. The fiberglass facer eliminates the need for a cover board, which saves material costs and eliminates a step in the installation process.

Denver, CO — ACH Foam Technologies announced today the addition of new garage door insulation manufacturing capabilities to its Waukegan, IL; Gainesville, GA; and new Third Street Plant in Kansas City, KS. With the added capabilities, ACH is better able to service national garage door manufacturers in these areas. ACH Foam Technologies supplies garage door insulation to some of the premier garage door manufacturers in the US, such as Wayne-Dalton and Mid-America Door.

Gainesville, GA — An 80,000 sq ft plant in Gainesville acquired by ACH Foam Technologies in 2006 is positioned to serve the growing needs of the southeastern US packaging market with expanded packaging product offerings and superior customer service. ACH Foam Technologies specializes in custom molded expanded polystyrene (EPS), fabricated EPS, and insulated shipping containers for pharmaceutical companies, the electronics and applications industry, the wine industry and the federal government.

MCCARRAN, NV — ACH Foam Technologies, the leading provider of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for construction, architectural, geotechnical, packaging, and OEM applications; announced today the opening of a new state-of-the-art plant in McCarran, Nevada. The plant is located at 775 Waltham Way, Suite 105. McCarran, NV 89434.

Denver, CO - Nearly 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. This disruption of the central nervous system results in fatigue and disturbances of vision, strength, coordination, balance, and sensations. On July 7th and 8th employees and friends of ACH Foam Technologies, including Chief Executive Officer, Ted Dann participated in the MS 150 Bike Ride along with 3,330 other cyclists to support MS and raise money for the cause.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Global Green displays a chair made of SIP panels remaining from a home after its completion. SIPs are approved by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety for wall, floor and roof applications and are rapidly growing in the construction and green building markets for their superior energy efficiency and environmental benefits.

DENVER, CO - ACH Foam Technologies has been granted recognition by the International Code Council Service (ICC) for EPS to be applied directly to a steel deck without the requirement of a code specified thermal barrier. This action allows ACH to effectively market product to the roofing industry that is fully codified. (See ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-2043.)

DENVER, CO — ACH Foam Technologies, a leading manufacturer of versatile expanded polystyrene (EPS) products, announced today its acquisition of Allied Foam Products of Gainesville, Georgia. This acquisition expands growth opportunities for ACH in one of the largest markets in the United States.

DENVER,CO - Three multi-plant EPS manufacturers, operating in different geographical markets, have merged to become a dominant EPS supplier across the U.S. and Northern Mexico. ACH Foam Technologies, LLC was created by merging Advance Foam Plastics [AFP], Contour Products [CPI], and Heartland EPS [HEPS]. The merger will expand growth opportunities in the Construction, OEM, and Packaging Product markets.