Yes, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is 100% recyclable and can be recycled at many stages of its life. As a product it is also environmentally friendly – it is made up of organic hydrogen compounds (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen) that are procured from natural gas by products and petroleum.
As a packaging material, EPS is more acceptable than materials such as moulded paper pulp items in terms of air pollution, energy consumption, groundwater pollution and overall carbon footprint. EPS does not contain any CFCs, HCFCs, fibre or any biological or physiological irritants. It also has a zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) rating and is not noxious, as well as being physically and chemically inert.
Our Recycling Process
As a company we are committed to using expanded polystyrene as efficiently as possible. During the manufacturing process any waste we do produce, we recycle using two methods.
- By breaking down clean scrap material into its bead form using a granulator, then mixing with new bead before block moulding.
- By compacting scrap granulated material in a compactor to produce ‘bricks’. The bricks are then sent to a recycling depot where various new rigid plastic products are made such as garden furniture, plant pots, picture frames, roof tiles and many more, thereby saving on valuable natural resources.
Recycling EPS in the UK
EPS recycling programs have been established in the UK as well as in other countries around the world. This makes it a very popular flexible and versatile product. Around 100 tonnes of EPS are recycled every month in the UK.
The majority of EPS waste is currently collected and converted into Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation panels for the construction industry, reducing the environmental impact of building.
The current UK EPS packaging recycling rate is above 50% and discussions with local authorities are underway to improve recycling from household waste. Some Councils do accept EPS for recycling separately. You can use this tool to see if there is a Council recycling facility near you for EPS. For commercial recycling of EPS you can check here for your nearest facility
If you would like to know more about our bespoke polystyrene solutions, our experts would be more than happy to assist you. To find out more, contact 0121 683 0300 today!.