On 29 March we reported on a way to recycle Expanded Poly-Styrene (EPS, also known as ‘Piepschuim’). Recycling EPS solves several problems at the same time
EPS has been used for dozens of years as insulation material. (Out of the 1.7 million ton per year that is produced in Europe 1.3 million ton is used in the building industry and 0.3 million ton is for packageing) It is expected that by 2020 half a million tons of EPS per year must be dealt with from renovations or torn down buildings. Until now most of this was burnt or – illegally – exported. One problem is the fire retardant HBCD. The Stockholm Convention has listed it as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) while under REACH it is called a substance of very high concern (SVHC). As of 2018 its use will no longer be allowed. No wonder that ICL-IP in Terneuzen does not produce it anymore. Brominated butylrubber (FR-122P) is the alternative, which can be easily recycled.
The good news is that CreaCycle GmbH together with the Fraunhofer Institut developed the CreaSolv® process, in which EPS is selectively dissolved resulting in the recovery of clean polystyrene, while HBDC does not dissolve so that it can easily be separated and reworked in the bromine recovery unit of ICL. A demonstration plant is now being planned.