Recycling

EPS recycling involves several key steps to transform waste into reusable materials. Initially, EPS scrap and waste are collected through various means, including dedicated recycling services and initiatives like StyroCycle. After collection, the EPS must be sorted and cleaned to remove any contaminants such as cement, labels, or organic material. The clean EPS is then processed by granulating, compressing, and pelletizing the material. These pellets serve as the feedstock for manufacturing new EPS products, completing the recycling loop.

Yes, EPS is recyclable at many stages of its life cycle, making it a sustainable choice for various applications. During the production process, manufacturing waste is fully reprocessed back into the mix for creating new EPS products. Additionally, EPS offcuts from building applications can be recovered and recycled during the construction process. Its durability and resistance to degradation allow EPS to be ideal for recovery and recycling from almost all applications.

In Australia, recycled EPS is primarily transformed into building insulation materials, such as waffle pods, insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or extruded polystyrene boards used for under slab and perimeter slab insulation. These products are essential for energy-efficient construction, demonstrating how EPS recycling contributes to both environmental sustainability and the economy.

For EPS to be recycled effectively, it must be free from contaminants like cement, render, labels, glue, and organic material. Contaminated EPS can complicate the recycling process and potentially reduce the quality of the recycled product. Therefore, it is crucial to sort and inspect all EPS scrap to ensure it is clean, allowing it to be successfully reprocessed into high-quality, reusable materials.