Facts about EPS Plastics

EPS = Expanded PolyStyrene

Non-toxic Material
- Composed of 2% plastics and 98% air
- Classified as medically hygienic

Production Techniques
- Environmentally friendly
- No chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in manufacturing (nor has ever been used)

Fully Recyclable
- EPS is easily sorted for recycling
- Surplus raw material and e.g. faulty products are collected and used for re-production
- In plastic factories an estimated 10-30% is already being recycled
- Used, clean EPS products can be re-used in future production
- May be used to soften soil. Added to composts it helps decompose organic waste
- Does not produce hazardous emissions when decomposing. A chemically neutral substance it does not harm ground water

Incineration and Disposal
- In Finland EPS may be burned in adequately ventilated spaces
- By-products of incineration are carbon (C), carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H₂O). No sulphur or heavy metals are produced
- Excellent energy content, 1 kg of EPS =1.3 litres of oil
- Levels of toxic emissions are considerably lower than those resulting from the disposal of related products, e.g. cardboard