As well as processing it to make new packaging, Flatz also utilizes other options to fully recycle EPS material up to ten times:
A fully closed material cycle for managing EPS is now a real thing. The possibilities for reusing expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) and compact polystyrene (PS) are unrivaled. A method developed in Canada is capable of removing impurities, but also dyes, odors, graphite and in particular HBCD from the used EPS.
There are plans to construct eight plants using this technology, each with an output of from 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes per year in Europe.
In Terneuzen (Netherlands), a demonstration facility was constructed in 2019 which processes not only contaminated construction site waste containing render adhesions, for example, but also used EPS with the flame retardant HBCD. The valuable bromine contained in the HBCD is recovered and reused. This recycling concept also helps to produce a complete recycling economy and is set to be introduced in other countries.
The first technologies for separating composite materials are already available. For example, “Powerbrush” is used to separate flat roof boards and bitumen sheeting.
Two technologies have since been developed to optimize the transport of used EPS to the recycling plant. Firstly, they offer the option to press polystyrene briquettes from the foams, secondly the foams can be dissolved on site and the solution can be transported to a factory. The collection and storage of polystyrene waste materials has already begun; by the time production starts, 500 tonnes of polystyrene should be in storage.
This 100% recyclability makes EPS even more of an insulation material of the future – including its many other positive characteristics.
You can obtain more detailed technical information about the new recycling methods at:
As well as the ecologically beneficial possibilities of reusing the material, EPS is also very well suited to thermal utilization (waste incineration) because of its high calorific value and the fact that (as a pure hydrocarbon) it can be burned easily without leaving any residue. The calorific value of used EPS (1 kg of EPS = 1.3 liter of heating oil) can be fully utilized for auxiliary firing and is therefore a substitute for burning heating oil.
Depositing used EPS in landfill is also not a problem because EPS is environmentally neutral. EPS does not rot and therefore does not contaminate the groundwater, air or soil. Despite this, EPS is far too good for trash.
Hängt von den Anforderungen ab: Isolierend mit Transportschutz, Mehrweg mit einfachem Handling, hoher Transportschutz und doch leicht und natürlich auch die Optik. Geht alles, fragen Sie uns einfach.