A team of experts from the UK and Massachusetts are working on a cost-effective way to recycle polystyrene packaging products. This innovative method has the potential to reuse up to 60% of polystyrene. According to estimates, the plastic recycling rate in the United States is about 5% to 6%.

The team used a pyrolysis and distillation process as a solution for foam recycling, where polystyrene is heated in a vacuum, broken down into monomers, and purified. Polystyrene is ideal for chemical recycling, which is not only energy efficient but also potentially economically competitive.

In addition to chemical recycling, physical recycling through machines such as foam densifiers can also achieve the reuse of waste foam resources. First, the foam needs to be pre-processed, such as collecting, sorting and removing impurities such as tape. Then, this lightweight material is compacted into dense ingots by polystyrene densifiers. After granulation, polystyrene ingots can be processed into recycled PS particles and used in the production of other environmentally friendly products.

Foam densifier is a mechanical equipment used for foam recycling. This equipment can squeeze out air and even water in the foam. After hot melt treatment, the volume of white foam is greatly reduced, reaching a compression of 90:1. The processed foam material will become a new commodity for sale in the international market.

Foam recycling can be achieved through both chemical and physical recycling methods. The main principle is to convert waste foam into a reusable energy or material. Chemical recycling may be more complicated, while physical methods have multiple links. Companies can choose to join one of the foam recycling links, including collection, compression, granulation, etc.

Compression is mainly achieved through foam densifier to reduce the volume of foam, which is suitable for many companies that want to carry out foam recycling. A polystyrene densifier equipment helps customers solve the problem of large amounts of foam hoarding, improve the factory's 5S and reduce fire risks. In addition, by selling compacted polystyrene ingots, companies can quickly get a return on investment in the machine, which is the most cost-effective way to carry out polystyrene recycling.

Granulation requires a complete set of production line equipment, which is more expensive, but also more profitable. If you have any questions about foam recycling or foam densifier, INTCO Recycling is happy to answer them for you.