This article was first published on 19 September 2025 by Der Installateur. It highlights the achievements of EPSolutely, an initiative co-founded by Steinbacher Dämmstoffe GmbH in Austria.
EPSolutely is part of a wider European effort, supported by EUMEPS and its members, to build a reliable circular economy for expanded polystyrene (EPS). Since its launch in 2022, the project has focused on creating scalable and practical solutions for recycling EPS from both construction and packaging. At EUMEPS, we have already shared how EPSolutely combines logistics innovation, industry cooperation and digital tools to recover EPS waste and reintroduce it into the production cycle.
The recent progress in Austria shows how these principles can be translated into measurable results for sustainable construction and the wider circular economy.
EPSolutely: Steinbacher celebrates one year of successful Styrofoam recycling in Austria
Tyrolean insulation specialist has already collected 50 tonnes of EPS waste from construction sites – target of 100 tonnes expected by the end of 2025.
The innovative Styrofoam recycling project “EPSolutely” run by Steinbacher Dämmstoffe GmbH from Tyrol has drawn a positive conclusion after its first official year. As a co-founder of the Austria-wide EPS circular economy initiative, the company has already managed to recover almost 50 tonnes of Styrofoam waste from construction sites and process it into new insulation boards.
Circular economy for sustainable construction
The aim of EPSolutely is to systematically collect Styrofoam residues from building sites and process them in a sustainable recycling system into new, high-quality insulation boards. Together with 12 partner companies, Steinbacher developed a sophisticated logistics system with reusable recycling bags and its own online platform.
After a successful pilot phase, the recycling system was rolled out nationwide in autumn 2024. From roofers to façade builders, numerous processors have been won over to take part in the sustainable Styrofoam recycling scheme.
Impressive figures and outlook
The results of EPS recycling so far are noteworthy:
- 50 tonnes of Styrofoam waste collected in the first year
- 100 tonnes expected by the end of 2025
- Enough recycled insulation boards to insulate 200 single-family homes
- Market leader in EPS recovery in Austria
“We are very proud of what we have achieved so far. And we are learning every day. That is why we are continuously developing our recycling system – for climate protection and a functioning circular economy,” explains Roland Hebbel, Managing Director at Steinbacher.
Strategic partnership with ARA
Since May 2025, Altstoff Recycling Austria AG (ARA) has strengthened the EPSolutely project, giving additional momentum to EPS recycling from packaging materials. This cooperation highlights the potential of sustainable Styrofoam recycling.
Call for participation
Steinbacher invites all Styrofoam processors to take part in the EPSolutely project and make use of the ecological and economic advantages of EPS as a valuable resource.
Further information: www.steinbacher.at/EPSolutely
The experience of Steinbacher and its partners demonstrates that EPS recycling is both achievable and scalable when supported by structured logistics and strong collaboration. Collecting 50 tonnes of EPS in a single year, with the potential to double this by the end of 2025, shows that practical circular economy solutions for EPS are already in place.
At EUMEPS, we view EPSolutely as a model for Europe. It reflects the goals we have set for the industry: to reduce the use of virgin raw materials, to extend the life cycle of EPS products, and to support the European Green Deal through circular construction solutions. By showing what works at national level, projects like EPSolutely provide valuable guidance for how EPS recycling can be expanded across Europe.