Is Expanded Polystyrene Foam Recyclable
In fact in 2013 more than 50 of all polystyrene collected for recycling was used to make recycled content packaging.
Is expanded polystyrene foam recyclable. We want your waste polystyrene. Polystyrene materials can be reprocessed and molded into new packaging. Eps is used for food containers molded sheets for building insulation and packing material either as solid blocks formed to accommodate the item being protected or as loose fill peanuts cushioning fragile items. Learn about the debate surrounding its benefits and concerns.
Expanded polystyrene eps is another similar foam material that has found even more uses. This is much easier to recycle and can simply be melted and moulded into new containers and other products. It is thought of as non recyclable. In 1941 dow scientist ray mcintyre invented extruded polystyrene foam styrofoam a light waterproof material that was first used for making life rafts.
The material is used today for cd and dvd jewel cases and plastic forks. Rigid polystyrene ps for example yoghurt tubs is just polystyrene plastic with no air bubbles added. Polystyrene foam is manufactured in two forms both of which are recyclable. Expanded polystyrene foam eps is a white brittle foam made up of many small beads of expanded foam that are bonded together.
The second type is extruded polystyrene foam xps. Made of 98 air polystyrene does not carry harmful chemicals during use or disposal making it a safe choice for food packaging throughout the world. However it is actually 100 recyclable. Expanded polystyrene foam eps can be recycled although it is not without challenges.
Expanded polystyrene eps or polystyrene foam the white bubbly plastic frames often used in packaging for furniture or electronic goods is actually up to 98. Expanded polystyrene eps is a rigid and tough closed cell foam with a normal density range of 11 to 32 kg m 3. It is commonly used in the production of disposable beverage cups and packaging. However expanded polystyrene eps is 100 recyclable.
It is usually white and made of pre expanded polystyrene beads.