Plastics are the result of the transformation of petroleum into more complex materials that can be shaped with a wide range of properties. The oil transformed in this way is not burned and converted into CO2. Instead, it is transformed into noble materials that often replace heavier metals. Plastics are environmentally friendly because their light weight helps reduce overall energy consumption.
Environmental impact is a critical factor when it comes to choosing a material to create a product. The choice we make will have consequences for the lives of future generations.
Whether we’re innovating by bringing a new product to life, or improving an existing one, designers have a duty to act in an eco-responsible way. Plastics represent an effective, environmentally-friendly solution when all life-cycle factors are taken into account.
Expanded polymers (EPS, EPP, PEE) are plastics that contain very few natural resources, as their cellular structure is 98% air. These materials are all recyclable.
EPS is expanded by injecting low-pressure steam into small polystyrene beads. The moist heat expands the pentane incorporated in the cells (in a proportion of 3% to 6%), causing the small beads to expand. Following a ripening process, the pentane is replaced by air within a few days, and decomposes naturally (half-life 24 hours). Pentane is not a CFC, so it does not destroy the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
Expanded resin products are the result of a simple, clean thermal process. There are no toxic residues. The total amount of energy required to manufacture EPS parts is 3X less than that required to convert comparable paper products.
EPS is a logical choice that reduces the impact on the environment:
If a material were composed of 100% air, it would undoubtedly be the most environmentally-friendly material possible. Since EPS is 98% air, isn’t it close to perfection?
Expanded plastics undoubtedly offer a host of effective, environmentally-friendly solutions.
Each bead is a set of closed cells filled with air. This cellular structure ensures a very high level of thermal insulation. An expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation product saves up to three times more energy per year than is required for its manufacture (see life-cycle analysis). As a result, EPS insulation can significantly reduce energy consumption, thereby cutting heating costs.
EPSE packaging protects fragile products while simultaneously lightening the loads to be transported. Transporting the lighter cargo therefore requires less fuel and generates fewer pollutant emissions.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP) and expanded polyethylene (PEE) contain no CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) or HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and have never used any. They therefore have no effect on the depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
EPS, PPE and EPEE are environmentally inert materials, even in humid environments. They do not support the development of mold or mildew.
EPS packaging is effective in protecting food from temperature fluctuations. As a result, freshness and flavor are preserved for longer, and food waste is reduced.
Expanded polymer products require two to three times less energy to manufacture than equivalent cardboard products. EPS is a material that makes a major contribution to slowing the process of global warming.
Materials made from expanded resins are generally effective substitutes for wood-based products such as cardboard and paper (packaging, fish boxes, coffee cups, corner protectors, etc.). The use of expanded resins contributes to the preservation of our forests.
Thanks to its inert, stable and insoluble nature, EPS is a durable material for long-life products such as bicycle helmets, insulation panels and Geofoam blocks.
If we eliminated plastics:
Plastics make a major contribution to environmental protection and sustainable development. The environmental impact of plastics goes far beyond appearances and popular perceptions.
Plastic products are sometimes visible in the environment. They are light, float and are often brightly colored. If not disposed of responsibly, they can become a source of visual distraction, not to be confused with harmful chemical pollution.
Many non-plastic products used in everyday life break down into their by-products when buried in the environment. They dissolve in the soil and emit gases, contaminating air and groundwater by stealth.
EPS, PPE and EPEE do not break down in the environment. They are inert and stable, like pebbles, and are a responsible choice when it comes to reducing damage to our planet.
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