Today, polystyrene is a desirable feedstock, easily recycled alongside other plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, which enhances the overall efficiency and economy of recycling operations. Emerging technologies have improved sorting capability in mechanical recycling processes, further propelling the transition to a circular plastics economy.
Advanced recycling, which turns plastic polymers back into their original molecules so they can be processed and used again and again, makes it possible to recycle items that traditionally haven’t been recycled through traditional mechanical recycling means, including PS and EPS.
This fit-for-recycling feature of polystyrene will help to continue improving recycling efficiencies and drive recycling rates much higher. With a collaborative effort and an evolving industry, we are rewriting polystyrene’s story within a new, more circular plastics economy.
Polystyrene is an essential material used across diverse sectors due to its unmatched performance. From preserving food quality and safety to enhancing medical applications, enabling high quality appliances and electronics, and contributing to efficient building construction, polystyrene is integral to various industries.
Polystyrene has played a crucial role in improving human health and living standards. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the material for use in food contact applications more than 50 years ago, underscoring its safety and reliability.
Polystyrene has a favorable carbon footprint when compared with many alternatives. A McKinsey study found that polystyrene, along with other plastics, effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions over its lifecycle compared to alternative materials. Its lightweight nature lowers energy requirements for transportation, while its insulating properties significantly enhance energy efficiency.
The environmental footprint of manufacturing polystyrene continues to shrink, requiring less energy and water than ever before.
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