Expanded Polystyrene Foam Recycling with Foamex

As the industry leader in polystyrene innovation, Foamex has set a prime example for expanded polystyrene foam recycling in Australia. The Victorian-based company has specialised in the design, manufacture and distribution of both expanded and extruded polystyrene systems for 36 years and counting. As much as their strong dedication to world-class quality, Foamex ensures strict compliance with sustainability in all stages of operation for the welfare of future generations.

Expanded Polystyrene Foam Recycling for a Sustainable Environment

Polystyrene Recycling

Approximately 45,000 tonnes of expanded polystyrene is manufactured and used each year. The bulk of this is used as expanded polystyrene blocks for road embankments; waffle pods in housing construction; engineering or manufacturing components; and other long-term applications. With the public perception of polystyrene foam as immediate waste after use, more and more businesses continue to take responsibility for their products from manufacture all the way to application. At Foamex, the goal is to result in zero polystyrene manufacturing waste and the company has found continued success towards this achievement.

For years, Foamex has innovated ways to incorporate sustainability during manufacture. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have long been used for the production of polystyrene foam. These are notorious greenhouse gases that are detrimental to the ozone layer, in which one CFC molecule has the ability to destroy 100,000 ozone molecules. Production by Foamex steers clear of these gases in preference to pentane, which has not been found out to have any harmful effects on the ozone layer. The result is lightweight polystyrene foam that provides: insulation power to effectively maintain fluctuating temperatures and reduce energy consumption; high dimensional stability to avoid breakage and waste; water resistance to prevent rot and promote longevity and user safety; and high workability to reduce time and handling costs.

The product development team at Foamex continues to fine-tune the manufacturing process for polystyrene by changing processes to reduce waste, and carefully studying the composition of new and recycled materials harnessed to make the product. After production, virtually all of the polystyrene manufacturing waste is reused for making other products, serving end users, construction sites, and other polystyrene manufacturers. In this way, Foamex drastically reduces waste in the environment, and the overall carbon footprint.

From production, Foamex observes sustainability in delivery, application and maintenance. The team provides expanded polystyrene foam recycling bags to end users for on-site cleanup. Foamex proactively engages with contractors to make arrangements for waste pickup, and transportation back to the facility for repurposing into new products.

Book a consultation with Foamex for more details on expanded polystyrene foam recycling. Visit www.foamex.com.au today.