Maya Ellison
Plastic foam packaging is widely used in the shipping industry due to its lightweight, protective, and easy-to-handle nature. However, its very properties that make it convenient also make it challenging to recycle. The low density and lightweight nature of plastic foam packaging make it difficult for sorting machines to process and it often ends up contaminating other recyclables. Additionally, plastic foam packaging contains plastics, which means it is not biodegradable and can take hundreds to thousands of years to break down naturally. Despite these challenges, it is important to note that plastic foam packaging can be recycled, and there are facilities that specialize in this process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Yes, but only at specialized facilities that have the equipment to process and compress the foam. |
| Types of foam that can be recycled | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, Polyethylene (PE) foam, and Polyurethane (PU) foam. |
| Recycling process | EPS foams are fed into grinders to cut them into smaller pieces. A machine compresses the EPS foams to create dense blocks. Some also heat the foams until they melt and turn into a paste. |
| Recycled products | Synthetic timber, coat hangers, cases for video cassettes, picture frames, crown moldings, baseboards, plant packaging, insulation, drainage layer in non-edible potted plants, glue, and more. |
| Eco-friendly alternatives | Biodegradable packing peanuts, paper packaging, cardboard, plant-based plastics, metal containers, and glass containers. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic foam packaging is difficult to recycle
Another challenge is that plastic foam is often composed of multiple materials, including plastic and air. The presence of plastic means that it is not biodegradable and can take hundreds to thousands of years to break down naturally. While the air content makes it bulky and expensive to transport, requiring compression before transportation, which adds to the cost and complexity of recycling.
Additionally, the type of plastic foam used in packaging varies, with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene Foam (EFS) being the most common. Each type requires different recycling methods, and not all recycling facilities are equipped to handle all types of plastic foam. For example, EPS foam can be recycled into general-purpose polystyrene products, but it needs to be compressed or melted down first, which not all facilities can do.
Furthermore, plastic foam packaging is often contaminated with additives, labels, or stickers, making it unsuitable for recycling. Only certain types of PE foam, for instance, can be recycled, and it must be clean and free of any contaminants.
While it is challenging to recycle plastic foam packaging, it is not impossible. Some companies specialize in recycling this material, and consumers can also reuse it for various purposes, such as drainage layers in non-edible potted plants or creating homemade glue with acetone. However, the difficulty in recycling plastic foam highlights the importance of considering more sustainable packaging alternatives, such as biodegradable or compostable materials like paper, cardboard, or plant-based plastics.
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Plastic foam packaging is not biodegradable
The three main types of foam used in packaging are Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, Polyethylene (PE) foam, and Polyurethane (PU) foam. EPS foam is composed of only 2% plastic and 98% air, which makes it cheap, highly versatile, and protective. However, it is more expensive to transport and recycle as it takes up a lot of space. PE foam is also recyclable, but only if it is taken to a facility that specializes in plastic recycling and if it does not contain any contaminants or additives. It must also be clean and free of any labels or stickers.
Due to the lightweight and low-density properties of plastic foam packaging, it is difficult to recycle. It is too lightweight to be processed by sorting machines and can end up contaminating other recyclables during the recycling process. Despite these challenges, some companies have developed custom-fit foam packaging with eco-friendly solutions, such as blocking and bracing, cushioning, void fill, and custom case inserts.
There are also alternative ways to recycle plastic foam packaging. For example, it can be used as a drainage layer in non-edible potted plants or seedlings. Another method is to create a homemade glue by soaking styrofoam pieces in acetone, which can be used to bond most porous materials. Additionally, some companies have started using shredders to turn styrofoam blocks into packing material, which can be reused to reduce waste.
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Plastic foam packaging can be recycled into everyday items
The three main types of foam used in packaging are Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, Polyethylene (PE) foam, and Polyurethane (PU) foam. Each type of foam requires different recycling methods, and not all facilities can accommodate every type. EPS foam, for example, is composed of mostly air, with only 2% plastic, making it cheap and versatile. However, its lightweight and low-density properties also make it difficult to recycle, as it is hard to process using standard sorting machines. Despite this challenge, EPS foam can be recycled into general-purpose polystyrene, which can then be used to create a range of products, including synthetic timber, coat hangers, picture frames, and building materials.
PE foam is another recyclable option, but it must be taken to a facility specializing in plastic recycling, and it must be clean and free of any contaminants, additives, labels, or stickers. Once properly recycled, PE foam can be melted down, reused, and remoulded into similar applications to its original use.
For those looking to recycle plastic foam packaging, it is important to first identify the type of foam and then locate a facility that can handle that specific type of recycling. Some local councils may collect certain types of foam packaging, and there are also independent recycling companies that specialize in foam recycling. Additionally, some companies that use foam packaging in their shipping processes may offer take-back programs or other sustainable solutions.
While recycling plastic foam packaging can be challenging, it is not impossible. With the right resources and dedication, it can be given a new purpose as everyday items, helping to reduce waste and protect the environment.
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Plastic foam packaging can be reused
If you receive an item packaged with plastic foam, you can reuse the foam by taking it to a mailing store, which may be happy to reuse it. Alternatively, you can use the foam for gardening. Plastic foam is an effective and inexpensive alternative to drainage solutions for potted plants, as it is lightweight and prevents excess moisture from causing root rot. To do this, poke a few holes in the bottom of the foam and cover it with soil. For larger plants, break the plastic foam packaging into chunks to fill the bottom of the pot or cut out pieces that fit into the plant space, then cover them with potting mix. It is important to note that this method is only suitable for non-edible plants, as edible plants may become contaminated.
Another way to reuse plastic foam packaging is to turn it into glue. This can be done by creating a DIY adhesive using acetone. To make a batch of this glue, soak styrofoam pieces in acetone for up to three minutes before removing them and letting them dry. This glue can be used to bond most porous materials, such as cardstock, craft foam, paper, and wood. However, it is important to take safety precautions when working with acetone, as it is flammable and has fumes that can irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs.
Businesses can also reuse plastic foam packaging by investing in a shredder, which can turn styrofoam blocks into packing material quickly and efficiently for repurposing. This is a cost-effective solution that helps reduce the volume of waste produced.
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Plastic foam packaging can be recycled at specialised facilities
There are three main types of foam used in the packaging industry: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, Polyethylene (PE) foam, and Polyurethane (PU) foam. EPS foam is composed of only 2% plastic and 98% air, making it cheap, highly versatile, and protective. However, it is more expensive to transport and recycle as it takes up a lot of space. Despite this, many consumers and businesses around the world recycle EPS foam, and the industry has developed collection facilities to support global recycling efforts. To recycle EPS foam, it is fed into grinders, compressed into blocks, and sold to manufacturers for reprocessing into new products like coat hangers, picture frames, and building materials.
PE foam is also recyclable, but it must be taken to a facility that specialises in plastic recycling, and it must be clean and free of any labels or stickers. Polyethylene foam is class 4, so it can be melted down, reused, and remoulded into similar applications to the original use.
PU foam can also be recycled, but the process is expensive and therefore out of budget for many small businesses.
If you are a manufacturer using foam packaging, you can contact your packaging partner for guidance on how to become more sustainable. You can also find support by contacting the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic foam packaging can be recycled, but it is not easy to do so. It must be taken to a facility that specializes in plastic recycling.
The three main types of plastic foam packaging are Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, Polyethylene (PE) foam, and Polyurethane (PU) foam.
EPS foam can be recycled into general-purpose polystyrene to produce synthetic timber, coat hangers, and more. To recycle EPS foam, it must be fed into a grinder, compressed into blocks, and sold to manufacturers for reprocessing.
Only certain types of PE foam can be recycled. The foam must not contain any contaminants or additives, and it must be clean and free of any labels or stickers. PE foam can be melted down, reused, and remolded into similar applications to the original use.
Some more sustainable alternatives to plastic foam packaging include paper, cardboard, plant-based plastics, metal containers, and glass containers.
