Will the UK be next to ban old-style polystyrene packing peanuts?
The tide is turning and people are taking action…
What was once even described as fun in the early days and so practical has done a total u-turn.
It has become a topic of conversation in the world of packaging and beyond that polystyrene is harmful to the environment.
It’s also energy heavy to produce, difficult to recycle, and it remains in the environment for hundreds of years! Facts that were not well known at the beginning of this chapter.
In recent years, the tide has been turning on non-sustainable packaging materials. A lot!
The sale of polystyrene packing peanuts is being prohibited and restricted around the world.
Remember that in the UK, the tax on virgin plastic packaging takes effect in April 2022.
Will the UK be next to ban old-style polystyrene packing peanuts?
Recent bans on polystyrene:
New York and New Jersey banned polystyrene packing peanuts in January 2022.
Australia is phasing out loose and moulded forms of polystyrene by July 2022.
In June 2023, polystyrene packing peanuts and other void fill will be banned in Washington.
Here at Poly Postal Packaging Ltd., we supply EcoFlo® biodegradable loose fill readily available as an alternative in the UK and World Wide!
EcoFlo® FAQs
EcoFlo® may be 100% biodegradable, but does it perform as well?
Yes, if not better! Independent tests by Brunel University and the University of Humberside show that EcoFlo prevents product migration and provides better impact protection than polystyrene.
EcoFlo® is made from starch. What difference does that make?
EcoFlo® is biodegradable and conforms to EN13432, making it suitable for domestic or municipal compost. It will dissolve in water which eliminates the problem of littering. Starch is an annually renewable resource, not a depleting resource like petro-chemical based polystyrene.
Is the production process environmental?
Yes! We use a low energy, single stage production process, compared to the multi stage, high energy process used for producing polystyrene. EcoFlo® uses steam instead of pentane gas as the blowing agent.
How will I be affected by the Waste Packaging Legislation?
Compared to polystyrene you will have a lower recycling and recovery obligation and reduced costs.
Does EcoFlo® attract rodents?
No, there is little or nothing of value in either product to be attractive to rodents. If rodents are already on the premises, they have been known to nest in all loosefill products including polystyrene. The presence of GreenFill and EcoFlo® will not encourage rodents into the warehouse.
To find out more detailed information click HERE — you can even have mixed colours and stay eco friendly! BOOM!
As always, we would love for you to come and check out our website and connect with us on social media so we can keep in touch on a more regular basis.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions about your postal packaging solutions.
Take care and chat soon folks.
Have fun and keep safe!
From all at Poly Postal Packaging
