The recycling process transforms EPS, which would otherwise become waste, into valuable resources. There are four main waste reduction options for EPS packaging:
Reduction – refers to reducing the natural resources used. By optimizing the package design, moulding machines can reduce the use of EPS, thereby reducing environmental stress and costs. The EPS packaging may be used in many ways after its original intended use. As such, they help protect valuable resources.
Reuse – EPS packaging may be reused as shipping packaging, for example, for the domestic transport of partially assembled goods. Another simple reuse of packaging is to grind it up and use it as a soil conditioner to improve drainage and aeration.
Recycling (the process where we come into play) – is the reprocessing of used EPS packaging in order to create a new material, such as replacing hardwood for garden furniture, replacing slate for tiles and new plastic items such as hangers, CDs and video tapes.
Recovery – EPS has a very high calorific value, higher than that of coal, and can be safely burned in energy recovery units or incinerators without releasing toxic or environmentally harmful fumes.