In 2023, 72 nations recycled EPS (expanded polystyrene) transport packaging to varied degrees, with many reaching recycling rates exceeding 30%, according to the Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA), based in Crofton, Maryland. According to GESA, 54% of the 72 nations involved in EPS sustainability initiatives have disclosed their recycling rates. According to the data, some of those nations—including those in North America and Europe, as well as Brazil, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala—achieve rates higher than 30 %. Even greater rates were reported by a number of Asian nations, including South Korea (88%), Japan (68%), and China (46%).

This is tantamount to good news. It can be seen that the global EPS recycling rate is constantly increasing. This means that more and more people are beginning to pay attention to EPS recycling. EPS recycling is gradually recognized by more and more relevant departments. From the initial belief that recycling EPS was absurd to now thinking that recycling EPS is the only way forward for economic and resource recycling, this is a big leap.

If you want to recycle EPS foam efficiently, you must choose a suitable method. The most important thing in the EPS recycling process is to compress the EPS, that is, to squeeze out the gas generated during the foaming process and reduce the volume of the EPS. Reduce it as much as possible, which basically solves most of the difficulties. The compression ratio of GREENMAX EPS compactor can reach 50:1. No heating is required during the entire crushing and compression process. It only relies on screw extrusion to squeeze out as much air as possible from the EPS to achieve final compression. GREENMAX EPSA compactor has two modes to choose from during operation, one is time mode and the other is power mode. This can be chosen based on your usage habits of recycling equipment and the actual recycling situation on site.

According to Betsy Bowers, executive director of GESA and the North American EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA), recycling EPS transport packaging is not only possible but is already progressing on a global level. "This demonstrates the industry's ongoing efforts and success in leading initiatives that contribute to a more circular economy and reaffirms UNEP's acknowledgment of EPS recycling." Recycling using EPS compactor is actually not a trivial matter, and it does not just solve environmental pollution. This plays a great role in helping the economic cycle and social employment.