The Story of
POLYFOAM
Foam plastics are primarily made from LDPE, PP, or PS, combined with a foaming agent such as butane (commonly known as gas canisters for hot pots), which expands the plastic by 20 to 100 times while retaining its original properties. This process creates EPE, EPP, and EPS. These materials are lighter, offering impact resistance, thermal insulation, and shock absorption, making them widely used in transportation and food packaging. Note that, as foam plastics are oil-soluble, they are not suitable for holding oily foods.
EXAMPLES
EPE
Fruit nets, pearl cotton
Characteristics:
soft and elastic
EPP
Protective packaging for high-end electronic products
Characteristics:
extremely durable,
strong impact resistance
EPS
Foam takeout containers, appliance protective packaging
Characteristics:
brittle, easily breaks apart
INSIDE
LDPE, PP, or PS, combined with a foaming agent which expands the plastic by 20 to 100 times
BEFORE RECYCLING
1
For food container, clean and dry the foam plastic first
2
Remove all other materials, such as tape or labels, or stickers
AFTER RECYCLING
Collected foam is checked to ensure no foreign objects are present
It is concentrated into blocks of rubber and cut into pellets
The pellets can be used to create recycled plastic products, such as plastic bowls
The foam undergoes processes such as crushing and heat melting
