In this new edition of Faces of EUMEPS, we meet Romain Oger, Research and Technology Engineer at Storopack France. With over 13 years of experience in the industry, Romain brings a hands-on, multidisciplinary perspective to innovation in expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging. From mould design to sustainable material development, he has been at the heart of efforts to reinvent EPS in a rapidly evolving regulatory and environmental landscape. In this interview, he shares his journey, his passion for innovation, and his vision for a circular future for EPS.
Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to your current position as a Research and Technology Engineer in the Moulding division at Storopack France? What attracted you to the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry in particular?
I’ve been working at Storopack for over 13 years. I started in the design office as a draughtsman, then project manager, and I also held the position of tooling coordinator (moulds). What I like about the EPS industry is its diversity: we work across a wide range of sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, construction, and automotive. It’s extremely enriching. My curiosity and interest in sustainability naturally led me to R&T. I enjoy learning and contributing to practical solutions that can improve society.
What does your role as an engineer specialising in moulding at Storopack involve on a day-to-day basis? What are your main responsibilities, and what types of innovation projects are you currently working on to improve EPS packaging solutions?
My role involves developing new materials and equipment for Storopack, from chemical formulation to the design of robotic machines. All our projects are part of a sustainable development approach. We explore directions aligned with the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Renew, Recycle) to provide solutions that meet our clients’ expectations. I also support our production sites during testing phases and provide training related to new EPS materials.
Innovation in the EPS packaging sector is essential to achieve greater sustainability and circularity. In your view, what are the most significant innovations currently shaping this sector, particularly in terms of recycling, carbon footprint reduction, or improving product durability?
For several years now, Storopack – like many other industry players – has been committed to demonstrating the recyclability of EPS and its potential to be reused in new products. We’ve seen significant progress in the use of recycled material. Whereas just a few years ago, grades contained a maximum of 30% recycled content, today we can achieve up to 100% (excluding additives and blowing agent).
We are also seeing the emergence of so-called "low-carbon" grades, manufactured using renewable energy. These innovations allow EPS to significantly reduce its environmental impact while increasing the share of recycled material in products.
Storopack has committed to concrete EPS recycling projects. For example, your company developed rEPS, a 100% recycled expanded polystyrene, and is involved in recycling initiatives in France (such as the National EPS Recyclers Network). How do these initiatives help close the loop of the circular economy for EPS, and how do you view these technological advances as an engineer?
Storopack was a pioneer in manufacturing rEPS from 100% recycled material. We wanted to show that it’s not only feasible but also beneficial in terms of carbon footprint and other environmental indicators.
We’ve worked with recyclers like the RNRP to strengthen the network of collection points and increase recycled volumes. In addition, we are collaborating with eco-organisations to develop dedicated sorting channels, especially to distinguish EPS from PS in sorting centres. One of the key challenges is to prove that EPS can be efficiently identified, sorted, and recovered.
Sustainability is a key issue for packaging today, and regulations are evolving accordingly (in France, the ban on EPS initially planned for 2025 has been postponed to 2030, provided the packaging meets recyclability criteria). In your opinion, what are the main challenges the EPS sector needs to overcome to meet rising environmental expectations? And how do you see EPS evolving to adapt to a world where sustainability requirements are constantly shifting?
Sustainability and recyclability are major challenges not just for EPS, but for plastics in general. One of the main challenges is communication: we need to better inform people about the efforts being made to collect and recycle EPS, while raising public awareness about sorting.
EPS still suffers from a negative image, often linked to marine pollution. But the issue isn’t the material itself; it’s how the waste ends up in nature. EPS is a high-performing material and, in some applications, difficult to replace. So, it's essential to educate people on proper use, sorting, and recycling.
Sustainable innovation is often a collective effort. In your projects, how do you collaborate with other stakeholders (colleagues, clients, industry partners, or research centres) to advance EPS packaging solutions? Could you share an example where teamwork or a partnership enabled you to achieve more in terms of sustainable innovation?
The "Créastyr" project, supported by ELIPSO, is a perfect example of a successful collaborative approach. It brings together recyclers, universities, and EPS users with the goal of demonstrating the industrial viability of an EPS recycling chain in France. This project helped shift the perception of the material. EPS and XPS are now on the path to being recognised as fully recyclable materials, distinct from PS.
The outcomes of these actions even led the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to officially acknowledge the recyclability of EPS on a global scale, a major breakthrough that was not the case a few years ago.
Finally, on a more personal note, what motivates you the most in your daily work in the EPS industry? Is there an achievement or project you’re particularly proud of, which reflects your contribution to the sector and the human dimension you bring to it?
What I particularly enjoy is the variety of sectors we serve. Each one has its requirements in terms of shape, mechanical or thermal properties. Within the R&T department, I was involved in developing rEPS at Storopack. EPS may seem simple at first glance, but there’s a wide range of grades, each tailored to specific needs. Even a small percentage of an additive can significantly affect the final performance.
Behind each material are countless hours of research, testing, and validation. This teamwork – the synergy between different professions – is a constant source of motivation for me. That’s what I love about my job: learning, exchanging ideas, co-constructing, and innovating together.
Romain’s experience reminds us that meaningful change often happens behind the scenes, through collaboration, experimentation, and perseverance. His story reflects the EPS industry's growing commitment to circularity, sustainability, and technical excellence. Whether working on rEPS, contributing to national recycling efforts, or challenging perceptions about plastics, Romain embodies the next generation of engineers shaping the future of EPS in Europe.