EPS Recycling

Our XEPS recycling technology provides an effective pathway for the circular use of EPS materials. According to industry Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data, the recycling process itself holds a theoretical potential to reduce carbon emissions by 50% to 75% compared to producing virgin EPS. In practical applications, the reduction effect depends on the blending ratio of recycled material. For instance, using 40% XEPS recycled pellets in a product can help reduce that product's carbon footprint by approximately 30% to 40%. This reduction effect stems primarily from:

• Reduced Upstream Consumption: Recycling lessens the demand for upstream manufacturing processes, including crude oil extraction, refining, and styrene polymerization.
• Lower Energy Consumption in Production: The energy required for the recycling process is typically lower than that needed to produce an equivalent weight of new material.
• Waste Management: Recycling EPS waste helps to avoid the associated carbon emissions that could result from landfilling or incineration.

The recycling system is designed to process several common types of EPS waste found in the market, including:

• Product Packaging: Such as single-use protective packaging for home appliances and electronics.
• Turnover Boxes: For example, EPS insulated boxes used in some fishery and logistics industries.
• Factory Scraps: Relatively clean off-cuts and scraps generated during the production process at EPS product factories.

The pre-treatment stages of the system (e.g., crushing, washing, drying) are intended to manage common impurities found in the waste material to improve the purity of the final recycled pellets.

The physical properties of EPS pellets recycled through the XEPS technology can be restored to a level approaching that of virgin materials. Through process steps like melt extrusion, filtration, and underwater pelletizing, we address some impurities in the recycled material and adjust its properties. This means the recycled pellets have the potential to replace a portion of virgin materials in the manufacturing of EPS packaging products. This can help customers explore options for lowering raw material costs and reducing environmental impact while maintaining the product's essential performance characteristics.

Yes, the extrusion recycling process facilitates this. During the melt extrusion stage, it is possible to compound and modify the material simultaneously. For instance, graphite can be added to enhance the thermal resistance of the recycled EPS. Color masterbatches can also be introduced to produce recycled pellets in specific colors. Furthermore, additives like HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) can be blended in to adjust physical properties such as the impact strength of the final product.