The Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA) has confirmed that 72 countries engaged in varying levels of recycling EPS Transport Packaging in 2023, with many achieving recycling rates above 30%. The data summary comes ahead of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) INC-5 negotiations taking place next week, where UN Member States will continue to negotiate policy considerations to address global plastic pollution.
Of the 72 countries engaged in EPS sustainability efforts, 54% have reported their respective recycling rates. A significant portion achieved rates exceeding 30%, including the regions of North America and Europe, and countries like Brazil and South Africa. Notably, it also includes smaller island states and developing nations like the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, underscoring the global feasibility of EPS recycling. Several Asian countries reported even higher rates, with China at 46%, Japan 68%, Korea 88%, and Taiwan 83%. The compiled data was verified through multiple sources, including government agencies, third-party EPS industry reports, and EPS recycling machinery suppliers.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognized expanded polystyrene (EPS) as one of only six materials recycled at scale and in practice, underscoring its role in the global push for circularity.
“Recycling EPS transport packaging is not just feasible; it is already advancing on a global scale,” said Betsy Bowers, Executive Director of the Global EPS Sustainability Alliance and the North American EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA). “This reaffirms UNEP’s acknowledgment of EPS recycling and demonstrates the industry’s continued efforts and success in spearheading initiatives that contribute to a more circular economy.”
To support ongoing progress in EPS recycling, GESA is developing a uniform data repository that will help standardize reporting and encourage greater transparency. By providing a centralized and reliable source of data, this initiative will foster more accurate benchmarks and help drive continuous growth in EPS recycling globally.
EPS maintains an essential role in key industries including packaging, construction, transportation, manufacturing, and automotive, among others. Applications such as packaging for the safe and effective transportation of food and vital medicines and vaccines, protective gear to prevent injury, refrigeration components, insulation for housing, and car seats are all made using EPS.
EPS recycling supports some of the world’s leading brands and manufacturers across these industries. Companies like Canon, General Motors, Hewlett Packard, Hyundai Motors, L’Oréal, and Toyota Motors rely on EPS for packaging, safety, and insulation properties – spotlighting its critical role in global supply chains and economies.
“As global leaders discuss considerations like production capping, chemicals of concern and problematic plastics, it’s key they also consider the vital role of essential materials like EPS transport packaging, and the viability of proposed alternatives,” added Bowers. “Materials like paper, which itself contains styrene, are not always a one-size-fits-all panacea for environmental challenges to improve circularity. Ultimately, the success of the plastics pollution treaty depends on embracing practical, scalable solutions that foster real, long-term progress.”
