EPS and the Environment

EPS is uniquely recyclable - all manufacturing waste can be fully reprocessed as can the products at end-of-life. 

EPS is comprised of 98% air and therefore only 2% polystyrene making it a highly efficient use of raw material.

Although EPS is derived from a non-renewable resouce - oil, it represents less than 0.1% of crude oil usage. 

As EPS is highly energy efficient - the energy saved over the lifetime of an insulation panel, for example, in reduced heating demand more than compensates for the oil used in its production. (Typically, for every kg of oil used in panel manufacture, about 200kg will be saved in reduced heating demand over the lifespan of the panel)

During Manufacture

In order to expand polystyrene, steam is applied to tiny grains of styrene that contain a minute amount of pentane. The expanded beads are then moulded into a shape or a large block which is then sliced into boards. The minuscule amount of pentane gas used in the process has no known effect on the upper ozone layer.

Any in-house waste EPS produced during the manufacturing process can be reground and incorporated as recyclate into a variety of products such as EPS moulded blocks and also void forms such as EPS pods. 

EPS is an excellent example of an efficient use of a natural resource as the transformation process uses very little energy.

Effects on the Atmosphere

Expanded polystyrene as an efficient and effective thermal insulation material can play its part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and make a very positive contribution to the alleviation of global warming.  The consumption of fossil fuels for both domestic and industrial heating is a significant contributor to the global output of carbon dioxide. 

It has been estimated that the effective application of EPS insulation could cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50%. The energy used in the manufacture of EPS is recovered within six months by the energy saved in the buildings in which it is installed.  For the remainder of the life of the building, the EPS reduces its energy requirement thereby requiring the combustion of less fossil fuel which results in less CO2 being generated.  Furthermore the insulation performace of EPS does not deteriorate during its lifetime therefore the reduction in emissions lasts the full lifetime of a building. 

No CFCs or HCFCs foam agents are used in its manufacture, so EPS causes no damage to the ozone layer.

Life Cycle Analysis

The most effective way to reliably assess the overall environmental impact of materials is by Life Cycle Analysis.  This internationally accepted method evaluates all impacts – including raw material processing, product manufacture, energy consumption used in processing, manufacture and use, and the effects on the environment of disposal and recycling.  There are many examples which illustrate the benefits of using EPS.

EPS in Landfill

Growing concern over local and national waste disposal problems has focussed attention on plastics and their environmental impact.  It is a common misconception that many of our waste problems are caused by plastics.  In fact, the total amount of plastics in our municipal solid waste is only 7% by weight.  Of this, EPS accounts for only a very small fraction – less than 0.1%. 

Over 30% by weight of Australian domestic garbage is wasted food.  EPS packaging extends the life of landfills by keeping food fresh and at the correct temperature for long, thereby helping reduce food spoilage. 

EPS is in fact an ideal material for landfill as it is inert and non-toxic, so the landfill site becomes more stable.  EPS aerates the soil, encouraging plant growth on reclaimed sites.  EPS does not degrade and will not leach any substances into the ground water, nor will it form methane gas (a major contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer). 

EPS products used in the building and construction industry have a very long effective lifespan because of their durability, so disposal of the product is minimised.

Links to EPS Recyclers  Associations:
Asian Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (AMEPS)
European Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (EUMEPS)
International Expanded Polystyrene Alliance (INESPA)
Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR)
Carbonfund.org
EPS Recycling, Equipments and Practices

Commonly used terms industry terms (Proprietary & Non-Proprietary): EPS, Expanded Polystyrene, Expandable Polystyrene, Styrofoam, Thermocole, Thermocol, Styropor, Foam, Packing Foam, Packaging, Aluminium Molds, Aluminum Molds, Aluminium Moulds, Aluminum Moulds, Shape Moulding Machine, Shape Molding Machine, Mould, Mold, ICF, Insulated Concrete Forms.