How can expanded polypropylene be recycled?

Expanded polypropylene can be recycled in various ways to minimise its environmental impact. One of the most common recycling processes for EPP involves mechanical recycling, in which the material is collected, sorted and then shredded into small pieces. These shredded pieces can then be extruded and moulded into new products.

Another approach is chemical recycling, in which EPP is broken down into its basic components to produce new polypropylene polymers. This process makes it possible to maintain the quality of the recycled material so that it can be reused for high-quality applications.

In addition, EPP can be used in the construction industry as insulation or in other non-traditional applications, entering a secondary life cycle. Through these various recycling methods, expanded polypropylene helps to reduce waste and environmental impact.

What is the difference between this and conventional polypropylene?

The difference between expanded polypropylene and conventional polypropylene (PP) lies mainly in the structure of the plastics and the resulting properties and applications.

Structure:

Conventional polypropylene: PP is a thermoplastic polymer that comes in a solid, dense form. It is processed as granulate or sheet material and is widely used in the manufacture of containers, car parts and textile fibres.

Expanded polypropylene: EPP is a closed-cell foam produced by expanding polypropylene beads. These beads contain a blowing agent that expands when heated, forming small, closed cells that give the material its unique foam structure.

Properties:

Density: EPP is significantly lighter than PP. This is due to its foamed structure, which consists mainly of gas.

Shock absorption: Thanks to its closed cells, EPP offers excellent shock absorption properties and can absorb repeated impacts without losing its shape. Conventional PP offers less shock absorption in comparison.

Flexibility: EPP is more flexible and elastic, making it more resistant to deformation and damage.

Heat resistance: Both PP and EPP are temperature resistant, but the foamed structure of EPP can provide additional thermal insulation in certain applications.

Applications:

PP is often used in packaging, household goods, textile fibres, car parts and medical devices.

EPP is used in areas that require high shock absorption and lightness, such as automotive components (e.g. bumpers, headrests), protective packaging, sports and leisure equipment (e.g. helmets) and insulation materials.