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The steps of recycling foam number 6 and how it can be used to create new materials

When recycling, we often give recycled materials numbers. Number 1 is water and soda bottles, number 2 is laundry detergent and other containers, and number 4 is plastic bags. Then there is also foam n. 6 consisting of packaging material for electronics and furniture, food trays and containers, foam cups, egg cartons, foam peanuts and medical refrigerators, all made of Styrofoam. This type of foam is also commonly known as polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, or EPS foam.

Polystyrene is one of the most common forms of plastic. The material is a mixture of approximately 98% air and only 2% polystyrene; It is resistant to water and heat, making it an excellent insulator. Due to its popularity, the worldwide demand for EPS and its production is increasing and therefore the need for recycling methods.

While foam peanuts can be recycled by reusing them, all other EPS materials must go through a recycling process that reduces their volume. To recycle it, it is necessary to inspect the material and remove all other contaminants. The foam is then fed to recycling machines for cold compaction or thermal densification. The foam can be compacted to reduce volume using a compactor, without using heat. The result is dense logs or bricks that achieve a 98% volume reduction. If you use the thermal method, the foam is fed into a densifying machine. The densifier uses heat and friction to melt the foam. The machine then uses pressure to push the material into a small opening and then extrude it as long, narrow strands. As soon as the recycled foam is cooled, it is cut into granules for easy transportation. The recycled foam is then sent to other manufacturers to create new plastic products.

Recycled foam number 6 is an excellent source for creating profitable new materials and products. For example, it can be used to create photo frames, pens and stationery, clothes hangers, curtain rods, outdoor furniture, CD cases, toys, and pony packages for growing and transporting seeds and plants. It is used to create interior and exterior architectural trim, ornamental home décor, and SIPS (Structural Insulating Panels). Recycled EPS can also be mixed with wood or concrete to serve as an excellent building insulation agent as it is resistant to water, mold and decay or it can be used to produce additional foam packaging material.

Using recyclable foam instead of the original raw material to create new products has many benefits. It saves natural resources, reduces waste and pollution, saves landfill space and uses less energy. Recycled foam has real value to manufacturers of new products who are willing to pay well for recycled material. Recycling foam has become much easier and more efficient in recent years with advances in technology; Recycling equipment now reduces foam volume by up to 95% of its original size and requires much less labor than before. Recycling basically results in the reduction of landfills and creates a more sustainable green environment for all of us.

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