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Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) is the lightest possible packaging material that can be used in the production of food packaging. An XPS container weighs 40 to 55% less than alternatives made of other polymeric materials. This means less consumption of raw materials and energy.

In 2019, we began launching significant development streams for this material.

• life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparative study: developed in collaboration with the German research institute Fraunhofer Institute, it shows that extruded polystyrene performs best according to most environmental indicators (https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/19/5324);
• Demonstration of recyclability and feasibility study of a real recycling chain: starting from the positive experimental sorting tests in collaboration with sector leader TOMRA, up to industrial recycling tests with Corepla, the Italian national consortium for the collection, recycling and recovery of plastic packaging;
• Experimentation on the suitability of using recycled PS in the food sector: an ambitious project that aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using recycled polystyrene for new food uses. Partners involved: PRO FOOD, the Italian association of fresh food packaging manufacturers, ‘Styrenics Circular Solutions’, the association of the main European manufacturers of styrenics and the Fraunhofer Institute.