Successful trials of BEWiSynbra's 100% recyclable EPS

Packaging Solutions

BEWiSynbra Group recently introduced EPS made from 100% from recycled material. Now Hirsch Servo Group has, as the first customer, successfully completed the first trials and produced a limited edition of packaging made of 100% recycled EPS in its Austrian headquarters.

BEWiSynbra Group, one of the leading producers of expandable polystyrene (EPS) in Europe, has successfully produced 100% recycled EPS, which in turn can be recycled over and over again.

‘The response to our 100% recycled EPS has been overwhelming. Today only a small portion of EPS is reused, and an even smaller portion recycled. Our new product has the potential to change that. It is a sustainable alternative to producing EPS from virgin resources,’ said Alan Moss, managing director of BEWiSynbra RAW.

BEWiSynbra partnered with the Hirsch Servo Group, one of the leading producers of EPS insulation, packaging and machinery, for the first external trials of the new product.

‘We did tests on how to pre-expand the raw beads made from 100% recycled EPS and used the resulting EPS to produce shape moulded parts that meet our quality specifications. The parts made from 100% recycled EPS are slightly off white compared to virgin EPS and the mechanical properties are almost comparable,’ said Hirsch Servo CEO Harald Kogler. ‘Too few people realise that EPS is 100% recyclable. Now we can offer a sustainable alternative to the industry that gives an added incentive to reuse and recycle.

‘The next step will be to convince our customers to use this innovative material for their protective transport packaging,’ he added.

Following the successful trials, BEWiSynbra has intensified its efforts to supply more partners and customers with 100% recycled EPS.

‘We will start commercial deliveries to selected customers in early 2020,’ said Alan Moss.