EPS is a 100% recyclable product. EPS can be recycled in many different ways such as thermal densification and compression. EPS insulation has a long lifetime in buildings and so there is only limited current need to recycle this material. However, since EPS does not degrade or deteriorate, it can be recycled in several ways at the end of its useful lifetime.
EPS can be added back into new EPS products. Technical developments in block mold production make it possible to apply higher recycled content levels and in some cases it is possible with specialized processes to produce EPS products out of 100% recycling.
There are a number of non-foam applications. Recycled EPS can be molded into new applications such as coat hangers, picture frames, flower pots, park benches or fence posts.
EPS waste can also be reground and mixed with concrete to produce building products such as prefabricated light weight concrete blocks.
EPS industry also developed collection infrastructures to support global recycling efforts.