EUMEPS is pleased to share this article originally written and published by AIPE, the Italian national association for expanded polystyrene (EPS) and an active member of EUMEPS. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparent and science-based communication on the environmental performance of materials, we support initiatives that promote resource-efficient, circular, and climate-neutral practices across the packaging and construction sectors.
The article below presents AIPE’s “Decalogue for EPS”—ten essential facts demonstrating the material’s environmental efficiency, recyclability, and role in supporting European climate and packaging objectives. This information is especially relevant in light of the recently adopted Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the broader transition toward a circular economy.
From AIPE, a Decalogue for EPS
26 March 2025
The choice of materials used in construction and packaging—two key sectors driving the country’s economy—can significantly influence the environmental impact of these industries. On the one hand, the Green Homes Directive aims to achieve zero emissions by 2050 for a building stock that is currently responsible for 36% of total CO₂ emissions and 40% of overall energy consumption, also addressing the production and disposal of the materials used. On the other hand, the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has just come into force, aiming to reduce packaging waste by increasing the amount of recycled material.
In a context where end-users’ awareness of the sustainability of materials is constantly growing, and misinformation represents the number one short-term risk, it is essential to base decisions on scientific and documented evidence.
In this scenario, AIPE (Italian Expanded Polystyrene Association)—at the forefront of promoting the sustainability and low environmental impact of EPS, and supporting the green economy by encouraging research and development projects, collection and recycling activities, and the adoption of the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodology, governed by ISO 14040—proposes a decalogue on this material:
- Sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS) consists of 98% air;
- Only 2% is organic-origin material, and therefore the environmental impact of EPS is reduced to 2% of its weight;
- It is 100% infinitely recyclable, being a thermoplastic; polystyrene can therefore be re-used in the production cycle to manufacture products for the construction and packaging sectors, where it finds its greatest application; in this regard, the figures are steadily rising: recycled EPS volumes in Italy recorded a 25% increase between 2019 and 2022, surpassing 20,000 tonnes; for the 2023–2025 period, a further 15% increase is estimated;
- It is 100% compliant with CAM (Minimum Environmental Criteria) for construction and packaging in furnishings; in Italy, both the construction and packaging sectors place on the market products containing recycled EPS percentages in accordance with the CAM provisions; for example, blocks and panels for thermal insulation of buildings and homes require a minimum recycled content of 15% according to the CAM for Construction; similarly, in packaging, the CAM for Furnishings—which apply to the purchase of all items falling within the furnishings of public administration offices—require a recycled content of at least 25% within EPS packaging;
- As a mono-material, EPS is more easily recoverable at end of life and, moreover, particularly versatile and suitable for the design of packaging in accordance with eco-design principles, as required by the new PPWR regulation; under this regulation, by 2030 all packaging placed on the market must be designed for recycling;
- It saves a precious resource: only 6 litres of water are needed to produce 1 kg of EPS; this is the lowest value compared to alternative materials used in packaging, making EPS an efficient choice in terms of water consumption; furthermore, the water footprint improves depending on the source of raw materials used: for example, EPS packaging made from recycled materials may have a lower water footprint than that made from virgin materials;
- It is lightweight to transport: being composed of 98% air with a low density (weight ranging from 15 to 40 kg/m³), EPS is extremely light and easy to handle;
- The CO₂ emitted for transporting it is reduced: the low density results in lower transport costs, reduced fuel use for vehicles, and lower CO₂ emissions—thus a smaller carbon footprint—making EPS a sound choice from both an environmental and economic standpoint;
- CO₂ and energy saved through its applications far exceed those needed for its production; due to the low input of raw materials, its volume, light weight, and energy-efficient production process, the manufacture of EPS overall requires less energy than the production of other materials used in construction: 2278 MJ/m³ (GER, Gross Energy Requirement) in the case of virgin white EPS, and 1920 MJ in the case of EPS with 90% recycled content; additionally, by increasing the thickness of the insulation panel, it is possible to avoid up to over 80% of CO₂ emissions over ten years;
- The recycled EPS content improves the main environmental indicators: a 54% reduction in CO₂ emissions with the use of 90% recycled EPS and a 30% reduction in energy consumption with 90% recycled content; the production of virgin white EPS involves an average of 4.6 kg of emissions (GWP, Global Warming Potential) per kg of product; increased EPS recycling reduces the environmental impact, both from its disposal and the production of virgin material; emissions drop to 3.11 kg of CO₂ in the case of EPS with 90% recycled content (from 5.75 kg of CO₂ emissions with no recycled content); at the same time, the energy required to produce it is also reduced (from 130.50 MJ to 95.99).
“The continuous investments in research and development over recent years, focused on recovery, recycling, and reuse, have confirmed the centrality and irreplaceability of EPS in the landscape of materials for construction and packaging,” stated Alessandro Augello, President of AIPE. “The European Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and the Italian legislation on Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) in construction—of which we expect an update in spring—represent further opportunities to improve the competitiveness of expanded polystyrene compared to other materials with similar areas of application, and to support the industry in becoming increasingly sustainable. Several steps to align with the regulations and meet long-term objectives have already been taken, and AIPE is working on others, in concert with the entire supply chain. At the same time, we are engaged in another challenge: spreading a culture of sustainability grounded in operational evidence, to counter misinformation and the emergence of emotionally driven preconceptions. We believe it is time for a different narrative, based on data, which demonstrates the material’s sustainability and its potential to contribute to the country’s innovation.”
The AIPE decalogue offers clear, evidence-based insights into the sustainability and performance of expanded polystyrene. With high recyclability, low resource consumption, and strong compliance with both EU and national regulations, EPS stands out as a high-performance material in both packaging and construction. By disseminating verified data and fostering a shared culture of operational sustainability, AIPE and EUMEPS are aligned in promoting informed decisions that support climate-neutral and circular solutions across the European economy.