Rastra-Recycled Polystyrene Foam Forms

A plethora of stay-in-place insulating concrete form building systems have been introduced in the last decade. Among these is the Rastra system—a European technology that is now getting established in the western United States.

The Rastra system uses 100% recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, ground into small beads and mixed with Portland cement. A proprietary additive helps with the mixing process. Rastra has some intriguing features, but estimates of the pollution associated with its manufacture show that it may not be significantly “greener” than many competing systems.