Polystyrene is much more than just a single-use plastic and can be recycled with great applications for various end-markets. Isowall Group fully supports PASA’s latest statement and recycling initiative, highlighting that the plastic problem does not lie with the material itself, but the way it is discarded after use.
The Polystyrene Association of South Africa (PASA) has recently responded to a statement issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) concerning polystyrene as a problematic and earth-damaging plastic type.
According to the statement, “the local polystyrene recycling industry is growing and thriving.” The latest 2018 figures showed more than 6 300 tons of polystyrene were successfully diverted from the country’s landfills and recycled in South Africa.
The current research suggested the amount of recycled polystyrene has more than tripled in the past five years!
The biggest market for recycled polystyrene is the construction industry, where expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a cost-effective, lightweight and durable material for insulated sandwich panels, sheets, building blocks, concrete bricks and screeds. These are easier to install and much cheaper than traditional bricks or concrete.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) manufactured by the Isowall Group is fast becoming recognized as the insulation material of choice by specifiers of “Bills of Quantities”. This comes largely as a result of our technical knowledge backed up by years of experience in the building and construction industry.
Packaging is another thriving industry for recycled polystyrene. EPS packaging is an excellent insulator, lightweight as it comprises of mostly air, easy to transport, highly affordable, and environmentally-conscious; in fact, the lowest carbon footprint of all packaging materials.
Read more here about the benefits of polystyrene packaging for the environment.
New exciting end-markets where recycled polystyrene makes a major difference include interior solutions such as cornices, dado rails, skirting boards, and picture frames.
Click here to read more about EPS recycling options.
The Polystyrene Association plans to expand the collections and recycling of polystyrene with the establishment of polystyrene trading and recycling hubs in the larger metro cities and outlying areas. These hubs will push polystyrene recycling further to an estimated 63% annual growth, employing more than 60 000 people in the plastics recycling process.
Isowall Group has been certified as complying with ISO 14001:2015 environmental and ISO 9001:2015 quality standards. The Group is dedicated to proper waste management infrastructure and disposal through its zero waste to landfill initiative.
Isowall recycles responsibly. Hebcooler – a range of EPS Cups and Tubs under the Isolite brand – is 100% recyclable. The scrap from the manufacturing of Hebcooler EPS Cups and Tubs and any returned polystyrene are used to make Isowood dado rails and skirting boards.
