Background Information
Insulation materials for buildings can be made from a wide variety of materials. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are frequently used today. Like other thermoplastics, these materials are theoretically easy to recycle. In addition, according to several studies, the amount of dismantled (post-consumption) insulation materials will increase significantly in the future. There is therefore great potential for recycling these materials. However, there are still some challenges at present. We are now supporting the EPS Association in its efforts to enable recycling.
A major problem for closing the loop is the flame retardant HBCD, which was used before 2015 and is now prohibited. Recycling "old" EPS and XPS insulation materials without removing the HBCD is therefore not permitted, and the recycled EPS and XPS insulation boards must currently be thermally recycled in Switzerland. Alporit AG (member of the EPS Association and the swisspor Group) has now developed a process that ensures the neutralization of HBCD during the recycling of post-consumer EPS and XPS insulation materials. This takes place in a mechanical-thermal process that can be integrated into the conventional recycling process.
Our Mandate
To ensure that this process becomes a recognized state-of-the-art technology and can be officially used for recycling, we are working for and with the EPS Association on the following building blocks:
- Development of a measurement concept for the initial verification that the HBCD is reliably neutralized with the process and that the secondary raw material is considered HBCD-free
- Identification of potential, unwanted degradation products and possible contaminants so that these can be taken into account in the process
- Development of a concept regarding long-term quality assurance with regard to ensuring the cleaning efficiency of the neutralization process
For this project, we are working closely with Alporit AG and coordinating with both the epsSwiss association and the Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) as the responsible authority.