Our Contribution to EPS Packaging Practices in Europe
EUMEPS contributes to dialogue on EPS packaging production, use and recycling through its Smart Packaging Europe initiative. This includes engagement with projects and tools such as Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS), Créa-Styr and RecoTrace®. These initiatives address pellet-loss prevention, collection, data reporting and recycling within defined schemes and geographical scopes.
Preventing Pellet Loss with Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS)
Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) is a global programme that provides guidance to help prevent the loss of plastic pellets, flakes and powders during handling. EUMEPS supports awareness of the programme and its guidance on containment and handling practices across the EPS value chain. Participation in OCS and any OCS certification are voluntary and apply at individual facility level.
Our work on OCS includes sharing information with relevant stakeholders on handling and containment practices. Through workshops, training and resource sharing, EUMEPS encourages companies to consider applicable good-practice measures to help minimise pellet loss. The effectiveness of these measures depends on their implementation and control at each facility.
Advancing EPS Packaging Recycling Technologies with the Créa-Styr Initiative
Créa-Styr is a French initiative focused on developing collection and recycling pathways for expanded and extruded polystyrene packaging. Launched by ELIPSO and EUMEPS in December 2021, Créa-Styr brings together stakeholders from across the value chain to work towards increased collection and recycling of EPS and XPS packaging in France.
The initiative aims to support the development of an efficient collection, sorting and recycling system. By focusing on collaboration across the value chain, Créa-Styr and EUMEPS seek to improve the conditions for EPS packaging recycling where suitable collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure is available. Any collection, recycling or recovery-rate figure should be accompanied by its source, year, material scope and methodology.
Pioneering Transparency for Recycling in Europe with RecoTrace®
RecoTrace®, the multi-polymer data-collection tool of PolyREC®, supports the reporting of recycling tonnages and the use of recycled plastics across Europe. It helps participating organisations report relevant data and monitor progress against their own stated objectives.
As a member of PolyREC®, EUMEPS and its members can contribute to data collection and sector dialogue on recycled plastics. This work supports the development of more transparent and traceable information across relevant stages of the plastics value chain, subject to the scope and methodology of the reporting system. References to Circular Plastics Alliance targets should specify the relevant target, baseline, timeframe and the role of the initiative in relation to it.
