Overview
Smart Packaging Europe is an EUMEPS initiative and alliance of companies in the EPS industry. EPS is a lightweight foam packaging material that is 100% recyclable and composed of 98% air, with an excellent sustainability profile. The organization's mission is to contribute to a more circular, sustainable economy in Europe.
In the news
- Circularity starts with practical action. Across Europe, national associations and industry partners are developing practical initiatives to improve the collection and recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging. Our publication highlights several examples demonstrating how collaboration can strengthen circularity, from improving collection systems to raising public awareness and increasing recycling rates. Swipe through the carousel to discover three initiatives contributing to a more circular future for EPS packaging. 📖
- Scientific research helps turn circularity into practical reality. The recent University of Bayreuth study provides robust evidence that EPS can undergo repeated mechanical recycling under conditions aligned with the future Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The findings demonstrate that EPS maintains stable molecular properties over multiple recycling cycles, reinforcing its suitability for circular packaging applications. As Dr Ingo Bellin, Head of Process Development and Quality Control Styrenics at BASF SE,
- Scientific evidence matters. As Europe implements the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), robust scientific data will play an increasingly important role in supporting evidence-based policymaking. A recent peer-reviewed study conducted by the University of Bayreuth evaluated the behaviour of EPS under conditions aligned with future PPWR recycled content requirements. The results showed that EPS can undergo repeated mechanical recycling while maintaining stable molecular properties. After an initial adaptation phase,
- Recognised by UNEP: EPS transport packaging is recycled in practice and at scale. Not all packaging formats currently achieve large-scale recycling in real-world conditions. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), EPS transport packaging is among the few plastic packaging formats recognised as being recyclable in practice and at scale in certain countries and regions. This recognition reflects the existence of established collection, sorting and recycling systems that are already operating today. It is one of
- Packaging is designed for a purpose. Every packaging solution has a specific role to play. For food, it helps preserve freshness. For healthcare, it protects temperature-sensitive products. For electronics and household appliances, it prevents damage during transport. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) combines lightweight performance, thermal insulation and shock absorption, making it a trusted packaging material across many essential sectors. Swipe through the carousel to discover why EPS remains the material of choice for these
- How can packaging contribute to a more circular Europe? This question is at the heart of our new publication, which brings together practical examples, scientific evidence and industry initiatives illustrating how expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging contributes to Europe's circular economy objectives. From protecting food and healthcare products to improving recycling systems, preventing pellet loss and increasing the use of recycled materials, the publication presents concrete examples from across the European EPS value
- One material. Many applications. Throughout this summer series, we have explored how EPS packaging helps protect products under a wide range of conditions. Its unique combination of thermal insulation, lightweight performance and shock absorption makes it suitable for many different applications across Europe's supply chains. EPS packaging is used to help protect: 🐟 Fresh seafood and other temperature-sensitive food products 💉 Healthcare products requiring reliable thermal protection 💻 Electronic equipment and household
- A Long Journey, Safely Protected Before reaching businesses and consumers, many products travel long distances across Europe. Along the way, they are loaded, unloaded, transported, stored and handled several times. For temperature-sensitive and fragile goods, every stage of the journey matters. EPS packaging combines thermal insulation, shock absorption and lightweight performance to help protect products throughout transport. From fresh seafood and healthcare products to electronics and household appliances, it supports reliable
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