As an EPS foam manufacturer, Plymouth Foam and all of Altor Solutions takes seriously its obligation to reduce waste and promote sustainability. EPS foam is a popular material for packaging and insulation due to its many valuable qualities, such as its light weight and ability to insulate. However, as we’ve discussed in previous blogs, EPS has also been criticized for its environmental impact, particularly its contribution to plastic pollution.
Fortunately, EPS foam is recyclable and can be repurposed into a variety of new products. The recycling process involves breaking down the foam into small beads that can be melted and molded into new products such as picture frames, toys, and even surfboards. Recycled EPS foam can also be used as a filler material in concrete and as a soundproofing material in buildings.
As an EPS foam manufacturer, Plymouth Foam works hard to promote the recycling of our products. One way we do this is by designing our traditional EPS products with recyclability in mind. In addition, we have worked with our material partners to provide BioEPS®, an alternative to traditional EPS that will anaerobically biodegrade an average of 92% over 4 years*. The Altor Solutions family of brands educates our customers about the benefits of recycling EPS foam and provides guidance on how to properly recycle our products.
It is important to note that while EPS foam is recyclable, it is not curbside accepted for recycling in all areas. The EPS-IA and Altor Solutions continually advocate for increased access to EPS foam recycling facilities and work with local governments and recycling organizations to promote the recycling of EPS foam. You can find a recycling facility near you on the EPS-IA website. Altor Solutions also provides a map of locations as well as information on mail-in programs for individuals and businesses that do not leave near an EPS recycling facility.
Plymouth Foam understands its responsibility to promote the recyclability of our products and to work towards a more sustainable future. By designing our products with recyclability in mind, educating our customers about the benefits of recycling, and advocating for increased access to recycling facilities, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and reduce the amount of EPS foam waste that ends up in landfills or the natural environment. If you have any questions, or are looking for an environmentally friendly EPS solution for your product or service, contact us.
*State Law Notice: California law prohibits the sale of plastic packaging and plastic products that are labeled with the terms ‘biodegradable*’, ‘degradable’ or ‘decomposable’ or any form of those terms or imply in any way that the item will breakdown, biodegrade or decompose in a landfill or any other environment. These restrictions apply to all sales in or into the State of California, including such sales over the internet. For sales in or into California or any other jurisdiction which prohibits such claim by law, rule, or regulation, Altor Solutions makes no claims that these products will break down, biodegrade, or decompose in a landfill or any other environment.
