Recycled-Content Extruded Polystyrene Insulation

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is the insulation material of choice for many builders when it comes to below-grade applications and is used in many other ways as well. Commonly referred to by Dow Chemical Company’s tradename Styrofoam®, standard XPS insulation is manufactured in the U.S. by four companies: Dow; UC Industries, Inc.; Amoco Foam Products Co.; and DiversiFoam Products. Since 1991 Amoco has marketed its Amofoam RCY, which is XPS insulation with a minimum of 50% recycled material. Although Amoco has stuck with its product, the experience has been mixed, and to date none of the other companies have been tempted to follow Amoco into the recycled products field.

The recycled component of Amofoam RCY is at least 25% post-consumer according to product manager Bill McDonald, with the remainder coming from recovered material that would otherwise have been landfilled. McDonald stresses that material reused within the factory is not counted towards the recycled content.