Like many plastics, Polystyrene offers industries around the world a variety of benefits as it is lightweight, thermally insulated, versatile, strong and water resistant. However when improperly disposed of, these benefits can collectively have a detrimental impact on our environment.
Polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer and whilst many only associate this material with packaging peanuts used to cushion fragile items, or the trusty disposable takeaway cup; this plastic actually takes on a variety of other substitutes.
Manufacturers can use polystyrene to produce everyday products such as: utensils, cups, plates, sport and recreational equipment, CD/DVD cases and electronics, kitchen and bathroom appliances, as well as durable packaging.
Polystyrene or in particular expanded polystyrene (EPS), is derived from crude oil which is a non-renewable resource. The extraction of crude oil is an energy intensive process, generating greenhouse gases and water pollution into our atmosphere. To convert into polystyrene, a variety of processes are conducted which Plastics Europe identify as, ‘distillation, steam-cracking and dehydration…Polystyrene is produced by polymerising styrene with the final product available in the form of pellets.’ These pellets are then extruded, injection moulded or thermoformed to obtain the desired polystyrene articles.
During the 2009 Clean Up Australia Day, it was reported that on average 14 pieces of polystyrene was collected at each clean-up site, and with more than 6,900 sites registered, this indicates over 95,000 pieces of polystyrene waste amassed!
Such a large amount is cause for concern as improper disposal adds to unsightly impacts on both Australia’s natural environment and local biodiversity. Unlike moulded polystyrene, EPS or polystyrene foam is composed of approximately 95% air. Whilst this consistency poses a considerable advantage when it comes to packaging, it can also be harmful to our environment as its lightweight texture allows it to travel across vast distances, and if ingested by local biodiversity the results can be fatal.
Whilst polystyrene is not biodegradable, it can be recycled. If you would like more information on disposal methods please contact Veolia.
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