PS Recycling
PS Recycling
(Polystyrene)
Polystyrene is a plastic material having many uses and is particularly useful, when in a foam form, as a material for making food containers. It is a significant constituent of municipal solid waste and is particularly prevalent in waste from fast food restaurants, cafeterias and similar food service establishments. Such establishments commonly use trays. containers and cups made of polystyrene foam (PSF).
Fast food restaurant and cafeteria waste in addition to containing large amounts of PSF also commonly comprises a large proportion of paper products (such as bags, cups and napkins), wax-coated paper products, condiment containers, plastic eating utensils and food morsels.\
Recycled polystyrene foam can be used to manufacture a wide variety of products such as plant pots, plastic desk organizers, foam construction insulation etc. and is therefore, a valuable product. Further, polystyrene foam, like most plastic, takes a very long time to degrade when placed in landfills. Therefore, it is desirable to recycle polystyrene foam to reduce the amount of such plastic in municipal landfills.
Polystyrene can be recycled by first reducing it's size through a melting process. After this the the material can be transported to a pelletitzing facility in order to produce PS (GPPS), HIPS, EPS etc. These pellets can be used alone or blended with virgin material for better material properties. If PS is mixed with other materials, such as paper, the waste PS will first have to go though an advanced process of separation. Currently research is being done to see whether such a process would be economically viable.
Heathland searches to recycle plastics, including PS, in ways that are best suitable for people and environment. Recycling happens in-house and at partner companies in Europe and/or Asia. Since the market for plastic recycling is very international, often it is difficult to keep track of how and where scrap plastics are recycled. Heathland works with partners who are qualified, have sufficient certification, and have set quality standards for the circumstances in which plastic materials are processed. This way, the company can keep as much control as possible on the circumstances in which it’s plastics are recycled. If you are interested in this way of recycling, whether your company is a collector, manufacturer, servicer or end-user, please contact us for possibilities.