Page 54 - Plastics News February 2025
P. 54
PRODUCT NEWS
Expanded Polystyrene: The Versatile Material
Shaping Sustainability and Innovation
What Makes EPS Sustainable?
There are many misperceptions around the sus-
tainability of EPS but here are some of the facts:
Energy Efficiency in Production: EPS is com-
posed of 98% air, making it resource-efficient in
terms of raw material use. It also has a relatively
low carbon footprint during production com-
xpanded Polystyrene (EPS) is an incred- pared to alternative materials.
ibly versatile material used across a wide
Erange of applications. Its lightweight and Thermal Insulation: In construction, EPS pro-
durable nature, combined with excellent ther- vides excellent thermal insulation, reducing en-
mal insulation properties, makes it indispensable ergy consumption and greenhouse gas emis-
in various industries. For instance, EPS is com- sions over the lifespan of buildings.
monly used in packaging to safeguard products
during transportation. Whether it’s protecting Recyclability: EPS is 100% recyclable and wide-
fresh produce and ensuring it stays at optimal ly collected for recycling. It is often recycled into
temperatures over long distances, or securing new products for example back into packaging,
heavy items like refrigerators and washing ma- picture frames, insulation for homes and busi-
chines, EPS is a reliable choice. It’s also widely nesses and more.
utilised for fish boxes due to its ability to main- EPS is 100% recyclable and thousands of tonnes
tain freshness. are recycled every year from the UK. Industry
experts have drawn upon existing data to es-
Beyond packaging, EPS plays a crucial role in
the building and construction sector, civil engi- timate that 66% of EPS packaging disposed of
neering and is such a versatile material that it in the UK was recycled in 2023. * This is much
even features in stage props for films. As insu- higher than many other materials and a great
lation, it significantly reduces energy consump- milestone for the industry but the industry want
tion, keeping homes warm in winter and cool even higher rates to reach a circular economy.
in summer. Imagine enduring a chilly winter in Alongside this, EPS is currently recycled in at
a house without insulation—it’s a scenario that least 38 countries across four continents.
would undoubtedly dampen the festive cheer at
Christmas! EPS's energy efficiency and protec- What Challenges Exist in Collecting and Recy-
tive qualities make it a cornerstone material in cling EPS?
both industrial and everyday applications.
The sustainability of Expanded Polystyrene
54 PLASTICS NEWS February 2025
