How Will You Recycle XPS Foam Board?
Insulation materials such as XPS foam boards are very commonly used. As the use of XPS increases, environmental pollution will become more and more serious if it is not recycled and disposed of properly.
Insulation materials such as XPS foam boards are very commonly used. As the use of XPS increases, environmental pollution will become more and more serious if it is not recycled and disposed of properly.
Plastic products related to polystyrene produce waste that is bulky, light, resistant to corrosion, aging, chemically stable, and not easily decomposed by microorganisms. When it enters the soil, it can easily weaken the soil quality.
Because polystyrene is the main raw material for XPS, the XPS recycling process can also be used for EPS recycling.
Why do we need XPS recycling?
XPS is often used as a building and construction insulation board due to its high insulation effect. It not only saves resources, but also helps to protect against cold. Nevertheless, the large amount of insulation board waste puts a lot of pressure on the environment.
Waste polystyrene recycling methods
1. Catalytic cracking
Any catalytic cracking of waste polystyrene produces a styrene-based mixture. Styrene is the main component of the cracking gas. After cold cooling, energy recovery and distillation separation, qualified styrene monomer and by-products are recovered, and the recovery rate of styrene monomer is 70-85%.
2. Recovery for the manufacture of adhesives and coatings
XPS/EPS consists mainly of polystyrene, also used as a certain substrate for waterproof and insulating coatings. Coatings made using PS as any substrate, or, have poor adhesion and film-forming quality, so PS must be replaced when using any coating film-forming material.
As a film-forming material, modified PS can be combined with a variety of additives to make adhesives and coatings with unique qualities, such as waterproofing, corrosion protection and fire protection.
Coatings and adhesives made from waste EPS/XPS that contain organic solvents can pollute the environment and endanger the health of construction workers during use.
3. Recycling for PS recycled pellets
One of the most important waste uses in the XPS manufacturing process should continue to be the manufacture of PS recycled pellets and, in some cases, XPS sheets. Currently, this is the most common way to recycle.
Advantages of recycling XPS and EPS
â— The significant reduction in polystyrene waste is one of the key advantages of recycling. It is easy to transport and store.
â— Recycling will help reduce landfill contamination. Something that poses a serious threat to both the environment and animal survival.
â— Recycling reduces the need for new products, thus reducing energy and personnel costs.
â— The company's reputation is enhanced by having a dedicated waste management process.
â— The high efficiency of recycling machinery increases total production while keeping costs low.
Therefore, recycling EPS and XPS waste is the most effective way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and manage polystyrene waste efficiently.
Currently, the main recycling service is to reduce foam waste by compressing and granulating it and then processing it into finished products such as photo frames, decorative molds, mirrors, etc. These products are both environmentally friendly and profitable.
