Facts about EPS and Recycling: A Data-Driven Perspective

Before I can effectively explore the cognitive biases and logical fallacies that shape public discourse, we need to establish a solid foundation of facts. Understanding the data is critical—it allows us to move beyond surface-level perceptions and engage in meaningful discussions about how and why misconceptions arise in public policy.

This is particularly important when discussing materials like Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which is often misunderstood. While EPS recycling is frequently dismissed as inefficient or impractical, the global reality paints a very different picture. By clarifying these facts, we create a starting point to critically examine how biases and fallacies influence public understanding of complex issues, such as sustainability and material efficiency.

This article is the first in a fact-based series that lays the groundwork for exploring broader topics of critical thinking. By presenting key data and insights about EPS and recycling, we aim to "put the facts on the table" before diving into the biases and fallacies that often cloud our judgment. With this foundation, the series will examine how misperceptions arise and how we can navigate them to foster better decision-making in public policy.

EPS and EPS Recycling Rates - Current Misconceptions vs. Reality

EPS, or expanded polystyrene, is commonly thought to be difficult to recycle, but in reality, it is highly recyclable when collected and sorted effectively. This distinction between perception and fact is crucial, especially as EPS transport packaging is successfully recycled on a large scale around the world.

To illustrate common misconceptions, consider these statements:

• PA Consulting Group (2022): “EPS is recyclable, but because it is lightweight, bulky, and difficult to clean due to its porous nature and common usage in food packaging, it's a costly material to recycle at an efficient scale, like programs for glass or cardboard.” PA Consulting Insider
• Clean River Recycling Solutions: “Short answer: Styrofoam is NOT recyclable…Long answer: Styrofoam can technically be recycled, it’s just highly inefficient to do so.” Clean River Recycling Blog

Recycling at Scale: Global Evidence

Contrary to these perceptions, data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and industry sources shows EPS is indeed recycled globally at scale:

• UNEP Classification: EPS transport packaging is classified as "recycled at scale and in practice" globally. Of 19 types of plastic packaging identified, only six types, including EPS, have achieved this classification. UNEP Report
• Global Reach: EPS recycling occurs in over 50 countries across Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Africa. This equates to over 4 billion people living in regions where EPS transport packaging is recycled on a large scale. Global EPS Report

Notable Recycling Rates

Several countries report impressive recycling rates for EPS transport packaging:

• Norway: EPS recycling reached 88% in 2023 and has consistently exceeded 80% since 2021. Grønt Punkt Norway
• Japan and South Korea: Both countries have maintained EPS recycling rates above 50% for years.
• European Union: The average EPS recycling rate is above 40%, with leading countries reaching rates as high as 83% in Portugal, 60% in Denmark, and around 50% in several others. EUMEPS Circularity Report
• Denmark: EPS recycling has grown rapidly, with an estimated recycling rate exceeding 70%, supported by collection points and some curbside programs. EPS-AIRPOP Denmark
• North America: EPS transport packaging recycling reached 31% in a recent study. PRWeb North America Recycling Study

Addressing the Recycling Process and Misconceptions

While EPS recycling does require strategic collection due to its lightweight and bulky nature, advancements have made it easier to integrate EPS into recycling streams. For instance, Sweden’s Site Zero facility has demonstrated the feasibility of sorting EPS with curbside waste for efficient recycling. EPS-AIRPOP Sweden

It’s important to distinguish between EPS transport packaging and other applications like takeaway containers (often made from XPS) or construction materials, which have different recycling processes and rates. Comparisons should align with similar materials (e.g., EPS construction materials with other building materials) rather than disparate categories like cardboard packaging.

Conclusion

In sum, EPS transport packaging’s recyclability is defined not by local collection programs alone but by global systems that operate at scale, as evidenced by the data. Although EPS recycling requires specific collection processes, it is effectively recycled worldwide, especially in transport packaging. Misunderstandings arise when EPS is grouped with materials requiring different recycling systems or when viewed through the lens of local recycling guidelines alone.

Ultimately, a material's recyclability should be evaluated based on the broader systems that support it—not merely by what fits into the nearest recycling bin. As shown here, EPS transport packaging is recycled globally at scale, making it a sustainable solution in many regions.