Copenhagen, 10 July 2023 – A newly published white paper from the Danish EPS industry presents a comprehensive analysis of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in the circular economy, offering evidence-based insights into material flows, recyclability, and environmental performance.
Published in partnership between the EPS industry and the Circular Economy Centre, the report underscores the need for fact-based decision-making on packaging materials and responds directly to misconceptions surrounding EPS. The authors call for greater awareness of actual recycling practices and value chain performance.
“Material choices must be guided by facts—not assumptions,” says Gitte Haar of the Circular Economy Centre, who co-authored the paper. “EPS is often mischaracterized, despite being a fully recyclable material used widely in packaging and construction.”
The white paper clarifies that EPS is composed of 98% air and only 2% raw material, giving it a uniquely efficient profile in terms of resource use and carbon impact. It also outlines existing collection and recycling systems, and compares EPS performance to alternative packaging solutions.
Focusing primarily on EPS packaging, the paper addresses legislative developments such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), while providing actionable guidance for circular design and reuse.
“The EPS industry is committed to circularity,” says Chresten Heide-Andersen of EPS-branchen. “This paper contributes to a clearer understanding of how EPS fits into circular systems and where improvements are most impactful.”
The report is part of a broader effort across Europe to support material-neutral, evidence-based policymaking in the transition to a circular economy. It is available here (Danish).
