Resin producers fund ‘game-changing’ EPS recycling technology

A group of US-based resin producers has invested more than US$ 185 million (EUR 173 million) to advance expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling technologies.

Leading resin producers RAPAC, Epsilyte, Styropek, Nexkemia and BASF, members of the EPS Industry Alliance, have developed proprietary formulas to help fabricators incorporate at least 30% recycled content in the manufacture of many applications.

Three products using their recycled content have now been third-party certified. Some producers are investigating traceability technology for next-generation resin formulas.

‘This new product offering has the potential to be a game-changer for the EPS industry’, comments Betsy Bowers, executive director of the EPS Industry Alliance. ‘Despite long standing misconceptions, EPS recycling has a strong track record that will now see even more growth.’

North America has an estimated 36 000 tonnes of capacity for EPS recycling with another 68 000 expected to be added in the next few years.