Independent life cycle assessment (LCA) research demonstrates that incorporating post- consumer recycled (PCR) content into expanded polystyrene (EPS) can significantly reduce
environmental impacts while maintaining the performance required for demanding applications.
A study led by the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with the World Institute for Sustainable Development of Materials (WISDOM), evaluated Epsilyte’s POLYSOURCE® with recycled-content EPS in bicycle helmet manufacturing, a performance-critical application. The analysis found that replacing approximately 50% of virgin EPS with recycled EPS reduced Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 45% at the material level, contributing to a 5–10% lower carbon footprint at the product level.
Key Results:
- 5–10% reduction in product-level carbon footprint observed in the helmet application
evaluated - Largest reductions — up to 45% in GWP at the material level, along with improvements
in particulate matter formation and carcinogenic toxicity indicators - Moderate reductions — 10–15% in water consumption and freshwater toxicity
These findings highlight the measurable value of recycled-content materials in advancing circularity and lowering product-level emissions.
Read the full report here:
Life cycle assessment approach for upcycling expanded polystyrene across industrial sectors – ScienceDirect