What is the use of recycled foam? Which industries can use recycled materials? Is recycling now acceptable to consumers?

The answers to these questions are important to many INTCO Recycling customers. So, today, let's start discussing these topical issues, recycled resources and what foam recycling really means in practice.

What is the use of recycled foam?

First of all, EPS recycling is profitable by its very nature: the conversion of virgin material into compressed blocks brings economic advantages.

In addition to INTCO Recycling, there are many more companies around the world that recycle compressed materials for later recycling. This has led to compressed materials becoming a popular and globally sought-after material for companies to buy.

Which industries can use recycled materials?

In the past, recycled materials were mainly used in the construction and packaging industries, but now the public is increasingly exposed to "frontline" industries that use recycled materials, from the food industry to toy production.

In some countries, companies are even mandating the use of a certain percentage of recycled materials. As a result of these policies, recycled materials are becoming more and more acceptable to a growing number of industries.

Are recycled resources now acceptable to consumers?

Interestingly, the use of recycled materials is making products more 'expensive'. The market is willing to pay for recycled materials and consumers are more likely to identify with these products, even as a branding tool. Products made from recycled materials are perceived as new and trendy, and more young people are willing to spend more on them.

On 5 August, UNIQLO will launch its global sustainability ambassador "Doraemon Sustainable Model", which includes items such as dolls, T-shirts and handbags made from 100% recycled polyester.

UNIQLO has been concerned about the environmental issues posed by plastic and in 2019 announced a joint development with Toray Group, one of the world's leading textile manufacturers and a UNIQLO partner, to use recycled polyester fibres derived from plastic bottles to make garments recyclable.

In addition to Uniqlo, globally renowned brands such as Microsoft, Coca-Cola and Lego have launched products made from recycled materials, most of which are recycled plastics. Over the years, more and more plastics have been recycled, recovered and converted into finished products for sale.

Once we know the above information lags, how then does one go about recycling polystyrene? As a first step in the recycling of polystyrene plastics, professional polystyrene recycling machines are also becoming more and more popular, not only increasing the efficiency of recycling, but also giving companies additional revenue. So why do you hesitate? For any foam recycling needs or questions, please feel free to contact your nearest EPS recycling specialist, INTCO.

If you need a GREENMAX polystyrene recycling machine please contact us!