EPS fish boxes made from chemically recycled plastic

Styrofoam Ccycled cool boxes

Fish boxes made of expandable polystyrene (EPS) – also known as Styropor – are an important packaging product that optimally protects the product during transportation and ensures the cold chain. With the material Styropor®Ccycled, BASF supplies the basic material for a more sustainable alternative to conventional boxes made purely from virgin plastic. In production, fossil raw materials are replaced by so-called pyrolysis oil. BASF obtains this oil from technology partners who convert plastic waste into secondary raw materials using a thermochemical process called pyrolysis. This waste would otherwise be used to generate energy or sent to landfill.

The three companies involved in the joint project are demonstrating the use of the innovative material: BASF supplies the raw material for EPS production, VARTDAL PLAST processes the granulate into fish fillet boxes and Bremnes Seashore will use the packaging to transport BÖMLO brand quality salmon from Christmas 2021. The boxes are of new product quality and are approved for food contact.

Fish boxes made of Ccycled material are identical to conventional boxes made of expandable polystyrene. Due to its manufacturing process, Styrofoam Ccycled has the same properties as conventional Styrofoam. This preserves the special properties of the packaging such as thermal insulation performance, compressive strength, buckling rigidity and stacking stability, which are essential for cooling and protecting the transported fish. Based on a certified life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental performance, it was determined that at least 50 percent CO2 is saved in the production of Styropor Ccycled compared to conventional Styropor . The fish boxes can be collected, pressed, shredded and recycled by VARTDAL PLAST . The shredded boxes serve as feedstock for the production of recycled polystyrene, which can be processed into various products such as insulation boards.

Product Name: Styrofoam Ccycled
Manufacturer: BASF, VARTDAL PLAST
Project status: Concept // Prototype // Ready for market // Ready for series production

Source: BASF
Image source: BASF