Refoam

Biodegradable in biologically active landfills

Recyclable along with standard EPS foam

Why did we create REfoam?

We care we about the environment and creating sustainable EPS foam processing. In 2018, we created a pioneering and innovative process that challenged the rest of the EPS industry to reconsider their manufacturing processes.

What is REfoam?

REfoam is a version of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) that biodegrades in biologically active landfills. Biodegradation of most materials requires moisture, oxygen, and heat. Biologically active landfills typically add liquids and pump in air to promote biodegradation.

What is REfoam used for?

REfoam can be molded into nearly any shape, including foam shipping coolers for cold chain shipping applications.

REfoam is excellent when used for frozen food shippers as well other types of perishable shipping applications for fresh foods, chocolates, vaccines, and other temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Any of our EPS foam shipping coolers can be made from REfoam or recycled content material!

RECYCLE REUSE REPURPOSE RECLAIM

How can REfoam be both biodegradable and recyclable?

EPS foam and in turn, REfoam, are very stingy users of material, and can be up to 98% air. This porousness makes the material ideal for a lightly introduced additive that promotes the biodegradation. Typical recycling grinds and densifies the foam into a much heavier state that can then be used to manufacture other types of products. This effectively neutralizes the additive and allows it to be mixed into the regular EPS waste collection which dilutes the additive even more.

How long does the biodegradation process take?

The goal in partnering with EcoLogic was to reduce biodegradation from decades to a few years.

Enhanced biodegradable REfoam, made with EcoLogic's Eco-One® material, was tested to ASTM D5511. This testing represents biologically active landfills (appropriate facilities may not be available in all areas) on representative packages and has shown 64% biodegradation in just 16 months.

During testing, some biodegradation of material happens within 30 days, however, product density and thickness, as well as the activity level of each landfill will play important roles as to overall length of time.

REfoam is as sturdy as standard EPS

How does REfoam compare to other ecologically marketed products?

REfoam is lightweight yet very strong, offering superior insulation and protection. Some soft panel insulation options do not hold shape or add to shipping integrity resulting in a higher rate of damage or failure. While thermal effectiveness is largely a matter of thickness, crushing panels or materials that collapse due to moisture and condensation will also provide reduced performance.

Unlike materials such as paper that can only be recycled a limited number of times, REfoam largely retains its molecular structure and can be recycled over and over again.

Why is REfoam not white like regular EPS?

Though the additive is clear, a dye is used as a marker to prove the material contains the additive along with proper absorption. It also helps to easily identify REfoam products from those made from regular EPS. Typically, the color will resemble something akin to oatmeal or a light shade of khaki.

REfoam's distinctive non-white shade