Sunforest: Engineering Better ICF Solutions for the Global Construction Industry

Sunforest is a professional ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) manufacturer in China dedicated to serving builders, distributors, developers and OEM partners across North America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Our focus goes beyond manufacturing EPS ICF blocks. We continuously invest in engineering, product development and export logistics to solve the real challenges faced by international customers.

One of our most significant innovations is our Split Type ICF System, developed specifically for global export markets where shipping efficiency and total project cost are critical.

Unlike conventional one-piece ICF blocks, our Split Type design separates the EPS panels from the connecting inserts, allowing significantly higher container utilization while maintaining structural performance and installation efficiency.

For contractors and distributors, this means lower logistics costs, greater inventory flexibility and improved profitability.

Why We Developed Split Type ICF

Through years of exporting ICF products, we identified one common issue shared by customers worldwide.

Traditional one-piece ICF blocks are lightweight but occupy a large amount of shipping volume. In most cases, containers become full long before reaching their weight limit.

This increases:

• Ocean freight costs

• Inland transportation expenses

• Warehouse space requirements

• Inventory carrying costs

• On-site material handling

To solve this challenge, Sunforest developed the Split Type ICF System.

By shipping the EPS panels and inserts separately, container loading efficiency is dramatically improved without compromising construction quality.

Reduce Total Project Costs with Higher Container Loading Efficiency

For international buyers, shipping is one of the largest cost components when importing ICF products.

Our Split Type ICF has been engineered to maximize container utilization.

Typical Loading Capacity

40HC Container

• Up to 490㎡ of ICF

• Example: 900 × 280 × 300 mm Straight Block

• Up to 1,815 straight blocks

20FT Container

• Approximately 220㎡ of ICF

Compared with traditional one-piece ICF systems, the same container can typically transport nearly twice as much product.

This significantly reduces:

• Ocean freight cost per square meter

• Domestic transportation costs

• Warehouse rental costs

• Labor costs for material handling

• Overall landed cost

For distributors importing multiple containers each year, these savings can have a substantial impact on profitability.

Flexible Concrete Core Widths for Different Construction Applications

Every construction project has unique structural requirements.

One of the key advantages of our Split Type ICF is the ability to change the concrete core width simply by selecting different inserts, without changing the EPS panels.

This provides exceptional flexibility for builders and distributors.

Standard Plastic Inserts

For the most common wall systems, including 140 mm and 170 mm concrete cores, we use high-quality virgin polypropylene (PP) inserts.

Using virgin PP instead of recycled plastic provides:

• Higher tensile strength

• Better dimensional stability

• Improved durability

• Reliable long-term performance

These inserts are ideal for residential housing, commercial buildings and energy-efficient construction.

Heavy-Duty Reinforced Inserts

For applications requiring greater structural capacity, including:

• Foundations

• Basements

• Retaining walls

• High-load structures

we manufacture reinforced inserts supporting:

• 200 mm concrete core

• 250 mm concrete core

• 500 mm concrete core

• 1000 mm concrete core

These reinforced inserts combine 6 mm high-grade steel reinforcing bars manufactured to Chinese industrial standards with virgin PP components, delivering increased strength and stability for demanding engineering projects.

One Modular System, Multiple Wall Configurations

A unique advantage of our Split Type ICF system is modularity.

Straight blocks and corner blocks share the same insert system.

Only the insert length changes.

This allows contractors to adapt wall thickness on-site without replacing the EPS blocks.

For example, if a project originally uses a 140 mm concrete core but later requires 170 mm or 200 mm in selected structural areas, installers simply change the inserts.

Benefits include:

• Reduced inventory

• Simplified purchasing

• Lower warehouse costs

• Greater construction flexibility

• Faster project management

This modular approach is especially valuable for distributors managing multiple project types.

Continuous Product Innovation: Developing the World's Next Split Type 350 mm ICF

Innovation is one of Sunforest's core strengths.

Our engineering team is currently developing a Split Type 350 mm Total Thickness ICF System, designed for regions with extremely cold or extremely hot climates.

Traditional 350 mm ICF products provide excellent thermal insulation but are difficult and expensive to transport.

Currently, conventional one-piece systems can load only around 190㎡ per 40HC container.

Our goal is to dramatically increase this loading capacity through a new Split Type design.

Prototype development is expected within the next 2–3 months.

To the best of our knowledge, Sunforest is currently the only manufacturer in China actively developing this specific Split Type 350 mm solution.

This reflects our long-term commitment to engineering innovation, helping customers reduce logistics costs while meeting evolving market demand.

Built for Global Construction Markets

Our ICF systems are used in a wide range of projects, including:

• Residential homes

• Multi-family housing

• Commercial buildings

• Schools

• Hotels

• Hospitals

• Passive House projects

• Net-zero buildings

• Cold climate construction

• Hot climate construction

• Basements

• Foundations

• Safe rooms

• Storm shelters

Whether serving contractors in Canada, developers in Australia or distributors in the Middle East, our products are designed to meet real-world construction requirements.

Manufacturing Quality You Can Trust

Product quality begins long before shipment.

Our manufacturing process includes:

EPS Material Control

• High-density EPS selection

• Density verification

• Dimensional inspection

Insert Production

• Virgin PP material inspection

• Steel component verification

• Injection molding quality control

Assembly Testing

• Insert compatibility

• Locking performance

• Structural inspection

• Installation verification

Export Inspection

Before loading every container, our team checks:

• Product dimensions

• Quantity accuracy

• Packaging integrity

• Container loading efficiency

Every shipment is prepared for safe international transportation.

Years of Export Experience Supporting Global Partners

Exporting ICF products requires more than manufacturing capability.

Our team understands:

• International shipping procedures

• Container optimization

• Regional construction practices

• Distributor inventory management

• Import documentation

• OEM branding requirements

We support customers from initial product selection through production, shipment and after-sales communication.

Many of our customers continue ordering because they value our responsiveness, technical knowledge and long-term partnership approach.

Why Global Builders and Distributors Choose Sunforest

Customers choose Sunforest because we combine manufacturing capability with engineering expertise and export experience.

Engineering Innovation

• Proprietary Split Type ICF design

• Modular insert system

• Ongoing product development

Cost Reduction

• Up to 490㎡ per 40HC container

• Lower freight costs

• Reduced warehouse expenses

• Improved inventory efficiency

Manufacturing Expertise

• High-density EPS production

• Virgin PP inserts

• Reinforced heavy-duty insert options

• Strict quality control

Export Experience

• Years of international shipping

• Support for North America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia

• Professional OEM cooperation

Long-Term Partnership

We don't simply supply ICF products.

We work with contractors, distributors and developers to create practical solutions that improve project efficiency and reduce total ownership costs.

Partner with an Innovative China ICF Manufacturer

If you are looking for a reliable supplier of Split Type ICF, high-density EPS ICF or customized ICF systems, Sunforest is ready to support your business.

Whether you need container-load orders, OEM manufacturing, engineering consultation or customized concrete core configurations, our experienced team can provide solutions tailored to your market.

Contact us today to request:

• Product specifications

• Engineering drawings

• Container loading plans

• OEM proposals

• Product samples

• Project consultation

Together, we can build stronger, more energy-efficient buildings while reducing logistics costs across your supply chain.

1:How much ICF fits in one container?
Our Split Type ICF can load up to 490㎡ in one 40HC container or approximately 220㎡ in one 20FT container, depending on block dimensions.

2:What concrete core widths are available?
We supply inserts for 140 mm, 170 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 500 mm and 1000 mm concrete cores.

3:What materials are used in the inserts?

Standard inserts are manufactured from virgin polypropylene (PP). Heavy-duty inserts combine virgin PP with 6 mm high-grade steel reinforcement for greater structural strength.

4:What materials are used in the inserts?

Standard inserts are manufactured from virgin polypropylene (PP). Heavy-duty inserts combine virgin PP with 6 mm high-grade steel reinforcement for greater structural strength.

5:Can I use the same EPS blocks with different concrete core widths?

Yes. Our modular Split Type design allows installers to change the concrete core width by replacing the inserts while using the same EPS panels.

6:Which markets do you serve?

We supply contractors, distributors and OEM partners across North America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

7:Do you provide OEM services?

Yes. We offer OEM manufacturing, custom dimensions, branding, packaging and engineering support.

8:Are you developing new ICF products?

Yes. Our engineering team is developing an innovative Split Type 350 mm total thickness ICF system to improve shipping efficiency for high-performance building envelopes in extreme climates.

9:What technical resources do you provide?

We provide CAD drawings, installation manuals, container loading plans, project photos, construction videos, product testing materials and technical consultation to support our customers throughout the purchasing and construction process.

Interested in starting your own ICF order? Contact us at [email protected] — we'll help you build your brand, even from just one container.