HIRSCH Isolation, a Member of EUMEPS, has made a major advancement in the circular economy with the launch of its first EPS (expanded polystyrene) insulation products without virgin material. This initiative builds on HIRSCH’s long-established efforts to collect and recycle EPS waste in France, demonstrating its strong commitment to sustainability, waste reduction, and climate-neutral solutions. Together with the REuse service, this new range of products highlights how the European EPS industry is fully engaged in supporting a circular and resource-efficient economy in crucial sectors like building and construction, contributing to Europe’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
Closing the Loop with REuse
EPS, one of the rare materials that is 100% recyclable, is at the heart of HIRSCH Isolation’s efforts to close the material loop. Through its innovative REuse programme, established in partnership with the National Network of Polystyrene Recyclers, HIRSCH Isolation has developed a short-loop system for collecting and recycling EPS waste from construction sites, industrial partners, and distributors.
This initiative ensures that EPS waste is recovered, sorted, and reintegrated into the production process to create new insulation products. Waste generated at HIRSCH's factories is also recycled within this system, achieving zero production waste. REuse shows how short-loop recycling reduces environmental impact while ensuring the viability of EPS as a sustainable insulation material.
Furthermore, the REuse programme aligns with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for construction materials, contributing to key environmental certifications like BREEAM, HQE, LEED, and E+C-, thus supporting industry compliance with stricter environmental regulations.
Introducing EPS Insulation Free of New Virgin Material
Additionally, in November 2024, HIRSCH Isolation introduced two new product ranges made entirely from reused material. These panels without virgin material deliver the same high performance and ease of installation as traditional EPS insulation while significantly reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. “Thanks to their recycled material, they feature a carbon footprint that is approximately 50% lower compared to their equivalent in "classic" EPS”, explains Camille Pennel, Communications Manager at HIRSCH Isolation. By substituting virgin materials with recycled content, the products are a tangible step toward the industry's decarbonisation goals.
Amaury Omnès, Managing Director of HIRSCH Isolation and Vice-President & Converters Director of EUMEPS Board of Directors, highlights the importance of this achievement:
"Twelve years after introducing the first EPS recycling service, it was important for us to complete this process with a range without virgin material. To support our clients with these environmentally friendly products, our recycled ranges will be offered at the same price as traditional products."
Contributing to Circular and Sustainable Construction
HIRSCH Isolation’s launch of EPS insulation free of virgin material clearly demonstrates its commitment to circularity and climate neutrality. By offering innovative solutions that integrate recycled materials, the company is driving progress in sustainable construction and contributing to the broader goals of the European Green Deal. This achievement is also a testament to the European EPS industry’s unwavering dedication to closing the loop with EPS—a material that is, let’s not forget, 100% recyclable!
By developing a new range of products, HIRSCH Isolation underscores the value of EPS as a fully recyclable material that meets the rigorous demands of modern construction, including certification requirements for green building standards. Moreover, the reduced carbon footprint of these products, validated by their FDES (Environmental and Health Declaration Sheet), further demonstrates their alignment with the industry's decarbonisation efforts. Combined with the REuse programme, this initiative sets a benchmark for the industry, proving that strategic investments in recycling infrastructure and product innovation can deliver meaningful and measurable results.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Sustainable Future
HIRSCH Isolation’s EPS insulation range without virgin material represents a significant step in advancing circular economy principles in the construction industry. By leveraging short-loop recycling through the REuse programme and integrating recycled materials into high-performance products, HIRSCH is helping to reduce carbon emissions and waste while addressing regulatory and market demands for sustainable construction materials.
As the European EPS industry moves toward a more circular and climate-resilient future, initiatives like this serve as an inspiration for the broader EPS value chain, reinforcing the role of innovative recycling solutions in achieving Europe’s sustainability objectives.