Polystyrene and the Environment
Many people hold the view that polystyrene packaging has harmful and damaging effects on the environment. This perception is totally untrue. In fact, quite the opposite scenario is the case as polystyrene is exceptionally environmentally friendly.
No CFC’s are used when manufacturing polystyrene and none are present in the finished product. This means that the finite ozone layer will not be under threat from harmful gases in the atmosphere.
When the polystyrene has served the purpose for which it was originally designed, it can then undergo recycling and be put to use elsewhere.
When used in landfill sites it does not emit unpleasant odours or harmful gases. It is also not eaten by rodents and so therefore does not attract vermin.
It can also be used in conjunction with peat to enhance soil after undergoing recycling into small chips.
During its life cycle, polystyrene can have many different uses and can be adapted for new purposes.
For theses reasons, polystyrene can be viewed as a form of packaging which is not only friendly towards the environment but has the versatility to allow for its use in a wide variety of areas.
For more information on the environment and the recycling of Expanded Polystyrene have a look at the British Plastics Federation website.