Jürgen Lang Presents the Role of EPS in a Circular Economy
The 10th MPMA International Plastics Conference (MIPC) 2024, held on 15–16 October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, brought together leaders and innovators in the Asian plastics industry under the theme “Innovation and Technological Advances for Sustainability”. This two-day event provided a platform for industry experts to discuss the latest advancements in plastics technology, sustainability, and recycling practices. Furthermore, the event gathered decision-makers and opinion leaders on recycling and resource efficiency, serving as an informal, industry-internal preparatory meeting for the upcoming UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program) Negotiations on an international Treaty against Plastics Pollution in Busan, South Korea.
Among the notable speakers was Jürgen Lang, Director General of EUMEPS, who delivered a highly anticipated presentation titled "EPS - The Sustainable Solution for Packaging and Construction". His speech addressed key topics such as the applications of EPS, its recyclability, and its role in bridging the gap between affordability, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
What is EPS? Understanding the Basics
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, durable material, composed of 98% air and only 2% polystyrene. Its unique structure gives it excellent insulation properties, which have made it indispensable in sectors like construction and packaging. EPS is often referred to as “engineered air”, a reflection of how its structure enhances both its performance and versatility.
EPS stands out as an ideal material for addressing critical global challenges such as energy conservation and resource efficiency. Its ability to provide high thermal insulation, combined with its lightweight nature, makes it a frontrunner in solutions for both packaging and construction.
Clarifying Misconceptions: What EPS is Not
During his presentation, Jürgen Lang underlined the difference between EPS and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS). While both materials are used in similar industries, they serve distinct purposes. XPS is commonly used for food containers and trays in the retail sector, whereas EPS excels in applications requiring high insulation performance, such as cold-chain packaging for food and medical products.
Jürgen Lang specifically pointed out that EPS, due to its unique properties, is the preferred material for vaccine transport boxes and organs in transit because it maintains its structural integrity at very low temperatures. XPS, on the other hand, does not offer the same level of insulation or protection under such extreme conditions.
EPS in Packaging and Construction: Versatility with a Purpose
One of the standout features of EPS is its effectiveness in protecting sensitive products during transport. For instance, EPS fish boxes play a critical role in maintaining the cold chain, ensuring that seafood remains fresh over long distances. Similarly, EPS is the material of choice for packaging high-value electronics and medical products, where both protection and temperature control are vital.
From a sustainability perspective, EPS helps reduce energy consumption during transport thanks to its lightweight nature. Additionally, its excellent cushioning properties prevent damage to products, minimising waste and reducing resource loss throughout the supply chain. In Jürgen Lang’s words, “EPS ensures that goods arrive intact, thereby reducing the environmental costs associated with product damage and replacement.”
EPS is also extensively used in the construction industry, particularly in External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS). This application is key to improving the energy efficiency of buildings, both in new constructions and renovation projects. EPS insulation significantly lowers a building's energy consumption, helping to reduce heating and cooling needs, which ultimately leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions.
Jürgen Lang highlighted that EPS insulation is cost-effective and widely accessible, making it an essential material in efforts to decarbonise the building sector. In fact, EPS insulation’s environmental payback period is remarkably short, with the energy and materials used in its production recovered in just 2.5 years.
The Circular Future: Recyclability of EPS
A key part of Jürgen Lang’s presentation was dedicated to EPS’s recyclability, which is often misunderstood. He emphasised that EPS is one of the most recyclable materials in the plastics industry, with numerous recycling pathways, including:
- Mechanical Recycling: This is the most established method, where EPS is shredded and reprocessed into new EPS products. Its low energy consumption makes it a highly resource-efficient process.
- Physical Recycling (Dissolution Technology): This method separates EPS from flame retardants and other contaminants, purifying the material so it can be reused in new products.
- Chemical Recycling: For EPS waste that cannot be mechanically or physically recycled, chemical processes such as pyrolysis convert it into valuable raw materials, which can then be used to produce new plastic products.
Jürgen Lang stressed the importance of separate collection at the source to maintain the quality of EPS waste, enabling efficient recycling. Clean, uncontaminated EPS is easier to recycle and results in a lower environmental impact during the recycling process.
Best Practices: Real-World Examples of EPS Recycling Success
Throughout Europe, various initiatives have demonstrated the potential for EPS recycling. HIRSCH Servo Group, for example, has implemented a service that collects and recycles EPS waste from both construction sites and packaging. Similarly, Knauf Circular and BEWI have established large-scale recycling operations, focusing on building a circular economy around EPS. These programmes not only prevent EPS waste from ending up in landfills but also reintegrate the material back into production cycles, supporting both environmental and economic goals.
Conclusion: EPS as a Key to a Sustainable Future
In his concluding remarks, Jürgen Lang underscored the vital role of EPS in building a more sustainable and resource-efficient world. "EPS contributes to a more sustainable and resource-efficient world, bridging the gaps between affordability, energy efficiency, and recyclability." Its lightweight, durable, and insulating properties make it a critical material in packaging and construction, two sectors that are central to global sustainability efforts.
As the plastics industry continues to evolve, EPS stands out as a versatile, high-performance material that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. Through continued innovation and the expansion of recycling programmes, EPS is well-positioned to meet the demands of a climate-neutral future.