GESA Report: 72 Nations Lead Global Recycling Momentum for UNEP-Recognized Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Transport Packaging

The Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA) reports that 72 countries recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) in 2023, including nations involved in the UN plastic pollution treaty negotiations next week. Many of these countries achieved recycling rates above 30%. EPS is one of only six materials recognized by UNEP as being successfully recycled in practice and at scale, underscoring its importance to global circularity efforts.

The GESA has confirmed that 72 countries engaged in varying levels of recycling EPS Transport Packaging in 2023, with many achieving recycling rates above 30%. The data summary comes ahead of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) INC-5 negotiations taking place next week, where UN Member States will continue to negotiate policy considerations to address global plastic pollution.

Of the 72 countries engaged in EPS sustainability efforts, 54% have reported their respective recycling rates. A significant portion achieved rates exceeding 30%, including the regions of North America and Europe, and countries like Brazil and South Africa. Notably, it also includes smaller island states and developing nations like the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, underscoring the global feasibility of EPS recycling. Several Asian countries reported even higher rates, with China at 46%, Japan 68%, Korea 88%, and Taiwan 83%. The compiled data was verified through multiple sources, including government agencies, third-party EPS industry reports, and EPS recycling machinery suppliers.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognized expanded polystyrene (EPS) as one of only six materials recycled at scale and in practice, underscoring its role in the global push for circularity.

“Recycling EPS transport packaging is not just feasible; it is already advancing on a global scale,” said Betsy Bowers, Executive Director of the Global EPS Sustainability Alliance and the North American EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA). “This reaffirms UNEP’s acknowledgment of EPS recycling and demonstrates the industry’s continued efforts and success in spearheading initiatives that contribute to a more circular economy.”

To support ongoing progress in EPS recycling, GESA is developing a uniform data repository that will help standardize reporting and encourage greater transparency. By providing a centralized and reliable source of data, this initiative will foster more accurate benchmarks and help drive continuous growth in EPS recycling globally.

EPS maintains an essential role in key industries including packaging, construction, transportation, manufacturing, and automotive, among others. Applications such as packaging for the safe and effective transportation of food and vital medicines and vaccines, protective gear to prevent injury, refrigeration components, insulation for housing, and car seats are all made using EPS.

EPS recycling supports some of the world’s leading brands and manufacturers across these industries. Companies like Canon, General Motors, Hewlett Packard, Hyundai Motors, L’Oréal, and Toyota Motors rely on EPS for packaging, safety, and insulation properties – spotlighting its critical role in global supply chains and economies.

“As global leaders discuss considerations like production capping, chemicals of concern and problematic plastics, it’s key they also consider the vital role of essential materials like EPS transport packaging, and the viability of proposed alternatives,” added Bowers. “Materials like paper, which itself contains styrene, are not always a one-size-fits-all panacea for environmental challenges to improve circularity. Ultimately, the success of the plastics pollution treaty depends on embracing practical, scalable solutions that foster real, long-term progress.”

About the Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA)

The Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA) is a collaboration between EPS manufacturers, to advance the circular economy for expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging. With active representation from five continents, GESA works to support environmental policy solutions at local, regional and global levels. As part of its broader advocacy, GESA supports a global plastics agreement that promotes a circular economy and practical solutions for managing problematic plastics. This includes advocating for a scientific advisory board, chemical transparency, and extended producer responsibility. GESA calls for flexible, science-based policies to drive meaningful progress in reducing plastic pollution. GESA’s recommended environmental policy, observer submissions and position papers can be read in full here.

About the UNEP Plastics Pollution Treaty

In March 2022 at the UN Environment Assembly, a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The resolution requested the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop the instrument, which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal. The INC began its work during the second half of 2022, with the ambition to complete negotiations by the end of 2024. The fifth and final session (INC-5) is scheduled from 25 November to 1 December, 2024 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, Republic of Korea.