Norsk Gjenvinning and Plastretur AS have introduced a versatile, high-capacity compactor at their Oslo site to streamline EPS and XPS recycling across Eastern Norway. Designed for mobility, the “Shark Compactors” unit can process foam directly at large retailers, construction sites, or be rented for on-site deployment—integrating collection and material preparation in one step.
How the system works
Clean EPS/XPS from shopping centres, contractors, and food packaging is fed into the Shark compactor, which shreds and compresses the foam to just 2% of its original volume—an approximately 50-fold reduction (uia.brage.unit.no, blogg.norskgjenvinning.no). This densification significantly reduces transport costs and climate impacts. With an annual processing capacity of 552 tonnes—equivalent in volume to 530 articulated buses—the machine supports substantial material capture from high-volume sources (blogg.norskgjenvinning.no).
Once compressed, material is bagged or containerised and sent to Norsk Gjenvinning’s processing partners. These partners recycle the polystyrene content into new products, such as hangers or seedling trays, extending EPS’s life cycle.
System deployment and benefits
- Mobility: The unit is easily transported on a truck and can be placed directly at sites generating large EPS volumes—e.g., a new residential build where white goods and furniture installations produce significant packaging waste. Shredding on-site reduces a full truckload to a single pallet of compressed material (blogg.norskgjenvinning.no).
- Rental option: Customers can rent the compactor with driver support, allowing businesses to manage EPS waste independently.
- Compliance support: The initiative aligns with Norway’s waste regulation requiring source separation of household-like plastic waste, supporting retailers and contractors in meeting their obligations .
Strategic relevance
This solution directly addresses key barriers to EPS recovery—costly transport due to low density and diffuse waste streams at construction and retail sites. By integrating compaction at the source, logistics become efficient and climate-friendly. The annual capacity sets a regional benchmark, demonstrating the scale required to capture material flows at volume.
Moreover, the portable model makes infrastructure accessible to seasonal or short-term high-volume sites across Østlandet without requiring permanent on-site investment. It enables a modular, scalable approach—deploying capacity when and where needed.
In doing so, Norsk Gjenvinning and Plastretur strengthen Norway’s EPS value chain. The model supports circularity by capturing clean feedstock and redirecting it into industrial recycling streams, rather than combustion or landfill. It sets an example for aligning technical solutions with regulatory needs and commercial realities in regional EPS recovery.
Conclusion
The metro-regional deployment of a mobile EPS compactor unit in Oslo marks a significant step toward flexible, efficient, and compliant municipal and industrial recycling. With on-site compaction, high throughput, and movable infrastructure, this case demonstrates how logistics innovation can enable circular systems in material-intensive sectors like construction and retail.
Source: Peter Sjølie Callister, “Enklere gjenvinning av EPS for entreprenør og varehandel,” Norsk Gjenvinning Gjenvinningsbloggen, 4 April 2023
