LG Electronics South Africa and Circular Energy have launched a new expanded polystyrene (EPS) melting machine to improve recycling efficiency.

The machine, showcased at RevoWaste’s recycling facility in Johannesburg on February 13, addresses one of the primary hurdles in EPS recycling: its bulky nature, which complicates collection and transportation. Using a heat compression process, it melts EPS waste into dense, compact blocks to reduce volume. The melted material is then sent to manufacturers such as Supreme Mouldings, which uses recycled polystyrene to manufacture skirting boards, picture frames and wall panels.

“One of the biggest challenges in recycling EPS is its high air content, which makes transport inefficient. This machine allows us to compress the material efficiently – making it easier to move and recycle,” said Patricia Schröder, CEO of Circular Energy.

The machine also incorporates contamination control measures, particularly for food-grade polystyrene. “Ensuring collected materials are clean is crucial. By sourcing EPS closer to its origin and implementing rigorous pre-sorting, we improve the quality of the recycled output,” said Schröder.

Much of the polystyrene used in food and electronics packaging is discarded without proper sorting, which makes recycling efforts more complex, she said. “If one thinks of everyday consumer items such as food and beverages or electronics like cell phones, microwave ovens and other household appliances, so many of these are packed in polystyrene, which adds up to tons that must be collected.”

Technology can assist in overcoming these hurdles, said Lucky Mamome, Head of Marketing at LG Electronics South Africa. “Innovations like the EPS melting machine enable us to meet our extended producer responsibility obligations while contributing to a more sustainable recycling system.”

While advancements like the EPS melting machine mark progress, broader industry collaboration and regulatory support are essential to achieve long-term sustainability goals, Mamome said. “The success of recycling initiatives depends on a collective commitment – from corporations and consumers – to prioritising waste management and investing in innovative solutions.”