ALS Responsible Approach to Polystyrene Recycling

Importance of Topic

Sorting plastic waste by polymer type is essential to enable material recycling and reduce environmental impact. Polystyrene insulation boxes used for sample transport generate significant waste when not properly managed, leading to lost material value and greater reliance on energy recovery.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work examines ALS Czech Republic’s responsible approach to expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling, aiming to optimize sorting, compaction, and to explore strategies that minimize single-use packaging.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Collection and segregation of cleaned, dry EPS boxes from laboratory shipments.
• Aggregation of packaging waste in dedicated transport bags for volume handling.
• Mechanical compaction via a screw press, achieving up to 50-fold reduction in EPS volume.
• Transportation of compacted material blocks to recycling partners for conversion into building products.

Results and Discussion

ALS processes approximately 7 tonnes of EPS annually. The screw press effectively condenses the material, enabling efficient logistics and downstream recycling. Compacted EPS blocks meet specifications for use in construction applications, illustrating a viable circular route.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Material recycling of EPS reduces demand for virgin oil-based feedstocks compared to energy recovery.
• Produced blocks supply building material markets, extending product life cycles.
• Adoption of reusable blue shipping bags decreases reliance on disposable EPS boxes.

Used Instrumentation

• Screw press system for EPS compaction.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Moving forward, ALS plans to collaborate with partners to transition towards reusable cold boxes, further cut disposable packaging, and embed circular economy principles across laboratory logistics. On-site compaction or decentralized recycling hubs could enhance scalability.

Conclusion

ALS’s structured EPS sorting and compaction framework demonstrates an effective model for laboratory polystyrene recycling. By integrating material recycling and waste prevention strategies, the initiative supports environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.