U.K.’s EPS recycling rate leaps to 40%

Archiv – Some 10 800 tonnes of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging was recycled in the U.K. in 2001-2002 – producing an increase in the recycling rate to 40%, according to figures from the U.K. EPS Packaging Group, a member of the British Plastics Federation. This places the EPS packaging recycling rate ahead of those for glass and aluminium. Some 10 800 tonnes of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging was recycled in the U.K. in 2001-2002 – producing an increase in the recycling rate to 40%, according to figures from the U.K. EPS Packaging Group, a member of the British Plastics Federation. This places the EPS packaging recycling rate ahead of those for glass and aluminium.
EPS packaging is used as a protective medium for a wide range of products such as white and brown goods, horticultural and garden products, foodstuffs and automotive components. Among other things, EPS is being converted into replacement wood and new packaging (including loose fill), as well as plant pots and coat hangers.
Although the U.K. figures are encouraging, the country is still lagging behind the European mainland where EPS recycling rates of up to 70% are being achieved.