EPS Recycling

EPS Recycling

Regarding the article “Insulation Materials: Environmental Comparisons” (Vol. 4, No. 1), I offer the following comments and corrections on recycling expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation. EPS foam is produced from a thermoplastic resin which can be recycled, but not all EPS foam is created equal. EPS building insulation is produced from resin that has been “modified” during its polymerization to meet the surface burning characteristics required by model building codes, while EPS used to produce protective packaging and molded foam cups does not require this modification.

When post-consumer EPS foam insulation materials are to be recycled into new insulation products, the recyclate must not be contaminated with non-modified EPS foam protective packaging. Since it is impossible to visually distinguish between modified and non-modified EPS, it is critical during the recycling process that EPS insulation not be combined with other EPS materials unless the chemical makeup of the materials is known. Mixing EPS insulation and packaging materials can present problems when recycling EPS insulation back into insulation materials; however, mixed EPS can be used to produce foam packaging and products for non-building applications. In all cases the foam materials must not be contaminated with dirt, paper, adhesives, wood, gypsum board or other construction or packaging materials. Contamination will result in foam products that will not meet the requirements for either the construction or packaging application.

People interested in recycling EPS foam should contact their EPS supplier or The Association of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) at (800) 255-0176 for information on proper handling for recycling. AFPR can provide a directory of EPS recycling locations.

Thomas R. Greeley

Business Development Manager

BASF Styropor EPS Business

Mount Olive, NJ