Polystyrene Recycling – Giving EPS a Second Life

One of the most common misconceptions about expanded polystyrene (EPS) is that it cannot be recycled. The truth is the opposite EPS is 100% recyclable. Thanks to its thermoplastic nature, it can be melted down and reprocessed into new products, helping reduce waste and keep valuable materials in circulation.

How EPS Recycling Works

As with most recyclables, EPS needs to be segregated and kept free of contamination. Once sorted, it can be recycled in a number of efficient ways:

1. Compacting

EPS takes up a lot of space in its expanded form. Through compacting, hydraulic machines apply immense pressure to compress the material into dense, stackable bales. These bales are far more economical to transport. Once delivered to specialist recyclers, they can be melted down into polystyrene pellets the raw material for manufacturing new plastic products.

2. Granulation

Clean EPS boxes can also be processed through a granulator, breaking them into small bead-like particles. These beads can then be reintroduced directly into the production mix at controlled levels to mould new EPS products. This method helps close the loop, giving old packaging a direct role in making new packaging.

What Can Recycled EPS Become?

Recycled EPS is used in a wide range of everyday items, including:

  • New EPS packaging and boxes
  • Picture frames
  • Garden furniture
  • Coat hangers
  • Hardwood decking
  • CD and DVD cases

Infographic - EPS Recycling at a Glance

We’ve created a simple infographic to show how resource-efficient EPS really is, and the multiple ways it can be recycled into new products.




 

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