Why Are EPS Conserver Boxes Still Being Produced and Used in 2021?

For fruit from Australia to reach overseas destinations like Europe in perfect condition, conserver boxes are often used to allow produces to maintain the premium quality during long transit times. Conserver boxes are often made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). This packaging material results in less dehydration, produce reaching the desired temperature faster as well as maintaining its cold temperature for longer.

We are aware of the EPS ban issued by the Australian government not long ago. When we talk about phasing out plastic and polystyrene, some say it’s going to hurt the businesses and it’s going to cost too much money. In addition, there is a common sense that is widely misunderstood — EPS is composed of 98% air and can be 100% recyclable. That's why we are still producing and using polystyrene in 2021.

Light in weight

Depending on the type of fruit, EPS conserver boxes are up to 60% lighter, representing about 6% savings in air freight. This brings down the logistical costs of exporting and increases the competitiveness involved in international trade for Australian companies.

compacted-polystyrene-blocks

Increased demand

Demand for EPS conserver boxes has been growing, primarily driven by buyers from Australia who highly value reverse logistics and reduced waste. In addition to increased demand from retailers, consumers have also become more demanding. The increased concern regarding health safety has resulted in consumers increasingly preferring to buy products that are ready-to-eat, during the Covid-19 period, avoiding handling as much as possible.

100% Recyclable

The EPS conserver boxes are 100% recyclable. Once recycled, they become raw materials for other applications. As shown in the EPS Recycling circular economy picture below, EPS packaging waste will be first collected and then compacted by a professional EPS Recycling machine such as EPS Compactor into dense blocks, and the EPS blocks will be further processed into PS pellets and manufactured into new products like moldings and photo frames, which can be sold again in supermarkets.

Equipped with EPS Recycling machines, waste EPS packaging such as EPS conserver boxes can be transformed into PS, and this new resin is used by other industries throughout Australia in various other applications and in the composition of packaging with recycled content.