Although disposable polystyrene cups are versatile and cost-effective, like most plastics, they have a bad reputation for polluting the environment.
However, expanded polystyrene (EPS) cups are 100% recyclable and represent just a small fraction of the total plastic waste ending in landfills. Compared to paper cups, for example, EPS cups put less pressure on the environment. Here’s why.
Why are EPS cups so popular?
Expanded polystyrene is virtually 98% air and lightweight. The process of moulding EPS requires less raw material, resources and labour, lowering production costs. It also makes EPS cups more cost-effective compared to labour-intensive alternatives such as paper cups.
For example, EPS cups need as much as twenty times less electricity and ten times less water vapour and steam to produce than paper cups.
There are no damaging chemicals like CFC’s, HFC’s or HCFC’s used in the EPS cups production process and released into the atmosphere. Discarded EPS cups do not degrade into harmful substances nor contaminate groundwater. By comparison, the production of paper cups contains at least forty times more contaminants than that of EPS cups and requires significantly more energy and water usage.
EPS is acknowledged as the most environmentally-friendly option for the production and recycling of EPS cups.
Why recycle EPS cups?
EPS cups are fully recyclable, a fact that supports the further reduction in plastic landfill waste. The scraps and waste EPS material obtained after production can be reused and recycled to make more EPS products, instead of being thrown away.
At Isowall, we use all scraps from the production of our EPS cups and tubs range, Hebcooler, to manufacture the dado rails and skirting boards in the Isowood range; therefore no polystyrene waste goes to landfill.
Using EPS cups as an alternative to paper cups and wax-coated paperboard cups makes sense considering the less resource-intensive production process, waste reduction, and limiting pollutants.
Recycling EPS is easy and convenient – everyone can contribute to the recycling by dropping any discarded EPS at a waste recycling unit. Click here to see the EPS disposal centres in your region.
Hebcooler manufacturers a range of EPS Cups and tubs in different volumes and sizes under the Isolite brand.
Isowall is the supplier of choice within Africa for Insulated Sandwich Panel, EPS and EPP products. Contact us for more information.
