The Story
In fall 2014, the company announced a five years program for polystyrene collecting and recycling at LaSalle’s eco-centre, in partnership with Montreal and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA). Similar programs are also in place with other cities in Quebec. This initiative made them win several awards, including the North-American Excellence in EPS Recycling Award at the 2015 EPS Expo and the Quebec Society Award at AQMAT 3rd Gala ”Reconnaissance”.
This time, Polyform decided to take a further step for the environment. A container has been set up directly in the administrative center yard located at 454 Edouard Street, Granby, to facilitate number 6 polystyrene recycling for citizens of the area. It is now easy and accessible for all to bring their various expanded polystyrene waste.
MUCH MORE THAN SIMPLE WASTE
The following expanded polystyrene products are accepted: protective packaging (for domestic appliances, electronic devices and fragile objects packaging), insulated boxes and coffee cups. Additional plastic products will be accepted in the future, but for the moment these are the easiest to collect, recycle and enhance for Polyform. “The recycling process with this container will be the same as it is with eco-centres”, mentions François Beauchesne, VP Sales & Business Development. “We want to offer a second deposit point in Granby to minimize citizens’ displacements.”
The recycled material is used to manufacture NUDURA® insulation concrete forms system, lightweight fill blocks, insulated boards, packaging, etc. The percentage of recycled material used is variable; some parts are 100% made of recycled plastic! The exceeding stocks are redistributed on the market as raw material.
This initiative is only the beginning for Polyform: The organization would like to see the polystyrene waste collection system grow. Number 6 plastics can be recycled as well as many other products, it is simply important to continue population’s education. “It must be part of our culture! In North America, it is still a business. When we look elsewhere in the world such as Europe, it is part of the culture”, said François Beauchesne.
We invite you to share your initiatives and your polystyrene recycling photos by using #RecyclagePS! To stay connected, follow us on Twitter @PolyformInc!