In Skjern, Denmark, a regional recycling facility has proven that modest investments in EPS densification yield reliable results. Supported by EPS-branchen, the facility installed local compression equipment in late 2019—creating a new hub for Danish EPS waste from households, retailers, and municipal sites.
System Overview
Upon arrival at Skjern’s collection station, clean EPS foam is sorted and prepped. The densifier compresses it into dense blocks—reducing volume by a factor of up to 50. These blocks are palletised and shipped efficiently to downstream recyclers. The system accepts EPS from both municipal recycling points and industrial sources, ensuring steady input volumes.
Purchased with support from EPS‑branchen, the densifier operates reliably—processing consistent weekly volumes. While exact tonnages were not disclosed, operators report marked improvements in logistics, cost, and handling efficiency compared to shipping uncompressed foam.
Outcomes & Logistics Gains
- Significant volume reduction: Up to 50× compression enables storing weeks of material in the space previously needed for days.
- Streamlined transport: Palletised blocks are easily moved via truck, reducing loading times and fuel.
- Shared infrastructure: The facility acts as a regional node, accepting foam from diverse sources and achieving scale.
- Operational consistency: Continuous running since late 2019—with no major disruptions—validates the model’s viability.
Strategic Relevance
This case illustrates how regional EPS infrastructure—when supported by industry and municipal cooperation—can deliver dependable recycling outcomes. In regions where transport to distant densifiers is costly and delivery volumes are inconsistent, a local facility ensures consistent logistics and traceable material streams.
Moreover, systems like this spread the benefits of EPS recycling beyond large cities, enabling smaller municipalities and businesses across Denmark to participate in circular practices. This approach helps distribute infrastructure investment and share network costs.
Importantly, by efficiently densifying at source, material quality is retained and logistics optimized—supporting downstream recycling markets with economically viable feedstock. It further aligns with circular-economy goals by keeping the lifecycle of EPS foam material local.
Conclusion
Skjern’s EPS recycling facility demonstrates that local densification capability is both scalable and effective. The combination of municipal sourcing, shared equipment, and logistics efficiency shows how regional systems can contribute meaningfully to national EPS recovery efforts. Supported by targeted networking and infrastructure funding, the model is well-positioned for replication across Nordic municipalities.
Source: “Solid erfaring med genanvendelse af EPS i Skjern,” EPS‑Airpop, January 2020 — EPS‑Airpop
