Dive Brief:
- According to data released in a new report conducted by the EPS Industry Alliance, the recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam increased. Innovative outreach programs are listed as the reason behind the growth.
- In 2013, domestic EPS recycling grew to 127.3 million pounds, with 72.8 million pounds of post-consumer material and 54.5 million pounds of post-industrial.
- The recycling rate of EPS in 2013 was up 35% as compared to 2012, when 93.7 million pounds of post-consumer and post-industrial EPS was recycled.
Dive Insight:
Efforts in states to ban EPS products like packing peanuts and carryout food trays are being questioned by experts in the industry and some environmentalists who say the bans are more detrimental than beneficial.
A report suggests that replacing plastic packaging with alternative materials would yield a 4.5 times higher packaging weight, and an 80% increase in energy use- including 130% more global warming potential.
The study shows the pitfalls of plastic packaging bans, citing glass alternatives come with a greater environmental cost in regard to manufacturing, transportation and the process of recycling.
In May 2013, Somerville, MA introduced a citywide ban of polystyrene containers used in food service. The ban went into effect in May. Dart Container, a manufacturer of foam containers, opposed the ban.
In August, Dart partnered with Plastic Recycling Inc (PRI) to construct a polystyrene recycling facility in Indiana. PRI will recycle materials collected at MRFs that process residential recycling while Dart will provide the washing technology for the project. The plant is expected to begin operations in early 2015.