Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) Recycling

What is Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS)

Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) - a thermoplastic foam product that comes with a unique combination of qualities. EPS is lightweight, rigid, and frequently white foam, which is made of a polymer called polystyrene and has air-filled pockets that give it its characteristic low density and buoyancy. It mainly provides cost-effective protective packaging solutions and energy-efficient insulation. It acts as a cushion transport packaging material for shock-sensitive goods.

Sustainability benefits associated with EPS.

• Energy efficiency
• Recyclability
• Lightweight
• Durability
• Non-toxic

Is EPS Recyclable?

It can be recycled. However, the recycling process is quite challenging because it is made of many tiny air pockets, and it can be bulky and difficult to handle.

• Not all recycling centers accept EPS because of its volume-to-weight ratio. Check with local recycling centers or community programs to see if they accept EPS.
• Before recycling, make sure the EPS is free from food, oils, or other contaminants.
• If you have large amounts of EPS, you can store it and then take it to a facility that offers such services.
• Once the EPS is collected, EPS can be melted down and remolded into new products like insulation or packaging material.

Scrap Value of EPS

EPS has a low scrap value, but it can be valuable when recycled into new products, which reduces the need for virgin materials. The value of recycled EPS is dependent on market demand for recycled plastic, but it is generally not a high-value material in the scrap market. For more thorough updates, please check the EuRecycleinfo website.