EPS producer Styrochem (Montreal / Canada; www.styrochem.com) has introduced the “EVRgreen” range of EPS resins, incorporating “EcoPure” technology, that it claims promotes the biodegradation of many foam products. The company said tests had shown that “EVRgreen” resin biodegrades an average of 14.2% in the first 133 days of testing under conditions that simulate a biologically active landfill, using a standard ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) test, and that it promotes biodegradation while retaining the performance characteristics of traditional EPS resin.

Styrochem president Glenn Wredenhagen said: “Our new EVRgreen resin will enhance a variety of end-use products across various industries which include protective packaging for consumer products, containers for foodservice and diverse custom applications. This breakthrough promotes the biodegradation of the many foam products we use in our everyday lives. Foam has always been recyclable in the few communities with facilities, but now we have an exciting new breakthrough that productively completes the life cycle of foam.”