The Polystyrene Dilemma Persists...

A recurring topic within the packaging sector revolves around finding ways to wrap food sustainably while preserving hygiene standards. Polystyrene—commonly referred to as Styrofoam—is one material that has faced significant criticism due to its environmental impact. Many argue whether outright bans on polystyrene could work effectively.

In 2010, Seattle made headlines when it prohibited polystyrene food containers from local establishments. There was concern that businesses might shift to hard plastics instead, which pose similar environmental risks. To address this, Seattle mandated that any replacement containers should be either recyclable or compostable. Furthermore, the city invested in facilities capable of handling hard plastic recycling.

Now, New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg is eyeing a similar policy. Environmental Director Eric Goldstein stated, “It costs taxpayers $300 million annually just to ship waste out of state to landfills. If we can reduce these expenses through better recycling practices, residents will benefit financially.” Additionally, the high cost of sorting polystyrene from other recyclables makes current methods inefficient.

As businesses across these cities face pressure to adopt greener solutions, there remains an urgent need for cost-effective replacements for both polystyrene and hard plastics. Traditional alternatives like paper or cardboard packaging provide less protection, necessitating additional layers of wrapping, which ultimately results in even greater waste.

Greener Choices Ahead

At Kite, we’ve been exploring potential substitutes for conventional polystyrene packaging materials and are thrilled to present viable eco-friendly options. For instance, our loose-fill packing chips, often called packing peanuts, are completely recyclable and biodegradable. These are crafted from recycled materials, including old CDs and other discarded plastics. Dubbed Envirofill, this innovative substitute matches the protective qualities of standard polystyrene loose fill while being hygienic and antistatic.

Perhaps you’re ready to eliminate polystyrene entirely? Upgrading to more advanced void-fill packaging systems, such as air cushions or Instapak expanding foam, offers superior product protection without the hassle of loose fill. Plus, these solutions require minimal space during storage compared to traditional polystyrene.

While we await decisions regarding potential bans in the UK, rest assured that Kite has already developed practical answers to meet today’s sustainability challenges. Whether you’re looking for a simple swap or a full transition, we’re here to help businesses adapt responsibly and efficiently.