What is Expanded Polystyrene and is it recyclable?

AUBURN, Australia - June 12, 2021 - PRLog -- What is Expanded Polystyrene?

Expanded polystyrene(EPS) is a kind of material that contains 98 percent air in solid plastic. It has lightweight, heat insulation, sound absorption, shock, and other characteristics. It is widely used and almost all kinds of plastic can be made of foam, foam molding has become an important area of plastic processing.

Widely but incorrectly known by the trademarked name Styrofoam™, this lightweight substance is crafted from petroleum-based polystyrene beads, which are stretched out during an intricate steaming and molding process. This product contains 98 percent air, extraordinarily cheap to manufacture, and has widespread applications ranging from life rafts to fast food containers.

The main performance

(1) The bulk density is very low, can reduce the weight of packaging, reduce transportation costs;
(2) It has an excellent impact, vibration energy absorption, for cushioning shock packaging can greatly reduce the product damage;
(3) The temperature and humidity changes adaptability, can meet the general requirements of the packaging situation;
(4) With low water absorption, good chemical stability, it itself will not produce corrosion of the contents, and acid, alkali and it has a strong tolerance for other chemicals;
(5) It also has a low thermal conductivity, can be used for thermal insulation packagings, such as ice cream cups, fast food containers, and insulation boxes;

Is polystyrene recyclable?

The truth is most forms of polystyrene are recyclable. Instead of burning and landfills, recycling is the wisest way for EPS disposal. However, the problem is that there aren't many facilities that accept this material for recycling.

Recycling is measured and valued by the ton. EPS is so light and bulky that this makes it difficult for facilities to manage it. Expanded polystyrene is similar to plastic bags in which it takes a very long time to break down naturally. It sits in landfills for a very long time. A lot of municipal and commercial waste is brought to incinerators in the area. The problem is it can be very toxic when burned and produces very little energy from combustion. EPS recycling is really a problem.

As the function of expanded polystyrene in our daily life, wondering to ban it is almost possible. There is no doubt that polystyrene market development is getting better, and how can we make EPS recycling easier? Please visit https://www.greenmaxmachine.com.au/ for more information.