Finnfoam is a manufacturer of insulating materials. Generally speaking, many insulating materials are composed of various foams, because foams are lightweight and inexpensive. Of course, the long-term production process inevitably generates a lot of leftovers and waste, so Finnfoam is building a new plastic recycling plant in Salo, hoping to recycle the foam generated during the production process.



Research on the foam industry has given them a real understanding that plastic foam is a functional material, as long as it doesn't end up being wasted. Therefore, the company has strengthened its confidence in foam recycling. So far, however, the pilot plant has focused on the chemical recycling of foam, namely XPS and EPS foam. But insulating foam waste collected from construction sites may contain, for example, sand, concrete, or polyurethane binders. In the new chemical recycling process, the foam is turned into a liquid state with the help of a new innovative solvent, which makes it easy to filter out impurities. After cleaning, the solvent is re-evaporated into circulation. The recovered solid foam becomes particles, which can be used as raw materials for the production of insulating materials.



This recycling process requires the use of solvents, and because it is chemical recycling, the structure of the foam will change. It can be said that the chemical recovery of foam is a process of depolymerization and recombination. The company is currently applying for a patent for the chemical recycling process and the solvents that need to be used. However, one thing to consider is that the chemical recycling process is very demanding, and there are requirements and regulations on the site, environment, temperature, and quality of foam waste.



The current foam recycling method is mainly shredding, compressing, and recycling through machines. Compared with chemical recycling, machine recycling has obvious advantages: simple and easy to operate, and the process is clear and mature. Taking the GREENMAX foam recycling machine as an example, INTCO's engineers will fine-tune the machine according to the customer's requirements and the foam situation. From foam waste to foam recycling machines and plastic products made of foam, INTCO Recycling has formed its own recycling and processing system.

In short, regardless of the recycling method, foam waste should be recycled. If you have any doubts or concerns about foam recycling, you may wish to consult INTCO, we will provide you with the most comprehensive information to answer your questions.