Frequently asked questions

What is Expanded Polystyrene?

Polystyrene is a oil based product, a mix of styrene and pentane and comes as a solid sphere or bead, this is then processed with steam using a prefoamer (large kettle) to expand the bead from a solid to a soft bead.

The raw bead comes in various sizes to suit the end use for example; small bead detailed mouldings, large bead for robust packaging were appearance or finish isn't criticle. The bead can also be expanded to various densities again depending upon the end use, the bead is then matured in silos before being moulded into a block or shape, again the moulding process is carried out by adding steam and compressing the mould no additives are used in the prefoaming or moulding process, just steam (water).

What type of EPS can you recycle?

We accept any type of white expanded polystyrene sheet or moulding. None compacted polystyrene is preferred. Polystyrene must be clean and free of contamination i.e. No paper labels plastic or wooden inserts. We will accept scrap polystyrene packed in polythene bag's, shrink wrapped, strapped to pallets or in cardboard boxes.

What type of EPS can you not accept?

Polystyrene drinks cups that have been used seed/flower trays, moulding containing paper labels, staples, wooden/plastic inserts, the reason for this is that any contamination getting into our system causes problems to our machinery and finished product and down time.

Why should I recycle EPS?

Because we have a morale obligation towards our future and land fill space has become a premium, with costs continually increasing.

How do you cut EPS?

The popular method of cutting polystyrene is by hot wire cutting, however expanded polystyrene can be cut using a saw or routed using a CNC machine to cut specialist shapes.

What industries use EPS?

Expanded Polystyrene is used in the follow industries:

Building Industry - For wall and floor insulation, building voids
Packaging Industry - Cut pieces for specialised packaging, package fillers for furniture mouldings to protect children's toys, fridges, televisions, washing machines, etc
Furniture Industry - Bead for bean bags
Food Industry - Food boxes for cold storage
Film Industry - For Scenery, it is cut and painted