T
he process for recycling expanded polystyrene foam
was developed over two decades ago and the incredible
advancements in the collection and sorting of recyclables,
as well as new densification technology, has resulted in
some innovative end-markets for recycled EPS foam.
One company making the most of EPS' versatile recycling attributes
is Weisenbach Recycled Products in Columbus, Ohio. They make a
variety of products from post-consumer EPS foam in keeping with
their W.A.R.M. (waste as raw material) manufacturing philosophy.
Weisenbach seeks discarded items and commodities that have
limited solutions once recovered from the waste stream. Founded
in 1981, Weisenbach Recycled Products is an innovative leader in
the environmental products and graphic imaging industries, offering
promotional products made from recycled plastic, recycled paper
and tire rubber, awards made from recycled glass and printing with
soy inks on recycled paper. They also manufacture special purpose
funnels, spouts, and containers for used oil collection and water
pollution prevention, and custom products made from recycled
materials.
Their P.S. pens are made from recycled EPS and are an example of
the value and practicality of recycling EPS into new products. Using
an extrusion process with a 50/50 blend of post-consumer PS to
virgin material, the pen barrels have a smooth, consistent surface,
take paint well and can be printed with highly detailed text and
graphics around the circumference for promotional advertising and
branding.
Dan Weisenbach, the company owner, was recently elected
President of Keep Ohio Beautiful (KOB). In addition to KOB, the
company actively participates in Green Columbus, Keep America
Beautiful (KAB), the Association of Ohio Recyclers (AOR) and the
Solid Waste Association of North America, Ohio Buckeye Chapter
(SWANA) to name a few.
See how Weisenbach manufactured thousands of ice cream
scoops made entirely of Stonyfield farm polystyrene yogurt cups
and how they turned Stonyfield's plant scrap into flower pots.
Weisenbach's "Made in Ohio / Made in USA"
products are now available at retail stores
throughout North America. Online consumers
will find retail versions of Weisenbach's
products at RecyclingisCool.com
| SuStainability |
5
Long Term Markets
For Recycled EPS
