Earth Day 2018 is nearly here.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
We could not agree more with those wise words and believe that one of the first stages to seeing a change is through education.
We continuously promote the fact that EPS is definitely, recyclable! One aspect that we have never spent time explaining is how the process of recycling EPS actually works. So, technically speaking, allow us to share the EPS Industry process:
Expanded polystyrene building products can be made with recycled content. This is achieved by blending post-industrial EPS that has been passed through a grinder, which reduces the material back into individual bead-sized particles that are then reintroduced into the molding process. Technical considerations generally limit the level of recycled content loading from 10 to 20 percent to maintain the minimum performance standards, as specified in ASTM C578, “Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation.”
Other recycled EPS can be reground and mixed with concrete to produce new building products such as prefabricated concrete blocks. Adding EPS regrind increases the thermal performance of these applications in addition to providing an alternative to landfill disposal. Another example of recycled content EPS use can be found in commingled plastics products such as decking, lumber and interior trim.
If you find yourself ‘being the change you wish to see’ this Earth Day, find an EPS #6 recycling location through this interactive map; showcasing local foam recycling programs that collect #6 EPS transport packaging foam and food service packaging. The map also identifies mail back program for areas where local recycling does not exist. And, you can also contact us at Plymouth Foam. We’re here for you on Earth Day and everyday!