Visy trials recyclable EPS insulation substitute ahead of release

Packaging and recycling business Visy has announced a new fibre-based insulation liner, designed as a replacement for expanded polystyrene (EPS), is currently being trialled by an unnamed food delivery company.

In a statement on Tuesday, it said that Visycell has benefits over EPS of being recyclable via kerbside recycling bins, while also sharing its “strong thermal and cushioning qualities”.

EPS has been labelled a problematic single-use material, and the product stewardship scheme APCO says packaging alternatives including “recycled cardboard, recyclable plastic mouldings and LDPE air pillow padding” are being adopted.

The new insulation product is made in Melbourne from cardboard waste offcuts and designed to keep food and beverages safe and fresh in Australia’s climate, said Visy. The company believes there is potential to displace “over 170 Olympic swimming pools of EPS each year” if Visycell is adopted.

“We’re working hard to help customers ditch problematic polystyrene and we’re pleased to be trialing Visycell as a new alternative,” said Rolland Zhang, New Business Projects Manager at Visy. 

“We think food and beverage customers will love Visycell… We know it’s not just food and beverage companies wanting to ditch polystyrene, which is why Visycell has the potential to also be used to transport fragile goods and in building construction.” 

Loose EPS has issues including being uncrecyclable and environmentally damaging when disposed of incorrectly, according to the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Block EPS is also environmentally damaging and there are limited services available for recycling.

According to APCO, under 20 per cent of EPS in Australia is currently recycled.    

Further reading

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