In today’s climate-aware world, the materials we choose for our daily tasks – from creating signage to insulating our homes – have a significant impact. With increasing awareness of our environmental footprint, the importance of making sustainable choices has never been clearer.
One material commonly used for its versatility and convenience is foam board. But how sustainable is this choice? In this article, we take a closer look at foam board and their recycling practices.
What Is Foam Board?
Foam board, also known as foam core or foamex at Simply Plastics, is a lightweight but rigid panel composed of a foam centre sandwiched between two paper or plastic-coated paper surfaces. It is beloved by artists, photographers, and businesses alike for its versatility and ease of use.
The Environmental Impact of Foam Board
The core of most foam boards is made from polystyrene, a type of plastic derived from non-renewable petroleum. Polystyrene is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Furthermore, the production of polystyrene involves the emission of greenhouse gases. These factors weigh heavily on the sustainability credentials of foam board.
Recycling Practices of Foam Board
As a composite material, foam board presents specific challenges for recycling. Since the foam adheres to paper or plastic surfaces, separating these components can be labour-intensive. However, some recycling facilities have started to accept foam board, especially when the outer layers are made of paper.
When foam boards are accepted for recycling, the process typically involves shredding the board into small pieces. These pieces can then be melted and reformed into blocks of polystyrene, which can be repurposed into new products, including more foam boards.
While this is a positive step towards sustainability, it is important to note that not all recycling facilities have the capabilities to handle foam board, and their recycling rates remain relatively low. Thus, accessibility to these facilities is a significant factor in the sustainability of foam board.
Alternatives to Foam Board
Given the environmental impact of foam board, individuals and businesses are increasingly seeking greener alternatives. Cardboard, which is biodegradable and widely recycled, is a popular choice for temporary signs and displays.
For more durable needs, options such as aluminium composite panels or recycled plastic boards are emerging as strong contenders. They offer similar benefits to foam board but are more widely recyclable and have a lesser environmental impact.
The Industry’s Response
Recognising the growing demand for sustainable options, some foam board manufacturers are taking steps to improve their environmental footprint. For instance, there are now foam boards made with recycled content or alternative, more sustainable materials like cornstarch.
Additionally, some manufacturers are partnering with recycling programmes to ensure that their products can be returned and recycled responsibly at the end of their life. These initiatives represent a shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry, although widespread adoption is still in its infancy.
The Verdict: Is Foam Board a Sustainable Choice?
Given the current state of foam board recycling practices, the material’s sustainability is questionable. The reliance on non-renewable resources for its production, coupled with its challenging recycling process and low recycling rates, suggests that foam board is not the most sustainable option available.
However, the industry’s response, with the development of foam boards made from recycled or alternative materials and partnerships with recycling programmes, indicates a positive movement towards sustainability. As recycling practices continue to evolve, there is hope that foam board could become a more sustainable choice in the future.
Conclusion
In a world striving for sustainability, the materials we opt for make a difference. Foam board, in its current form, is not the greenest option on the market. Yet, as manufacturers respond to consumer demand for more sustainable products and recycling practices improve, the future of foam board as a more sustainable choice is looking increasingly possible.
For now, individuals and businesses seeking to minimise their environmental impact should consider alternatives to foam board and keep a watchful eye on how the industry evolves in response to the growing demand for sustainability.