Despite these environmental benefits, EPS packaging has come under scrutiny in recent years, notably in debates surrounding marine litter. While Expanded Polystyrene is often cited as one of the most visible materials found on beaches, this visibility must be placed into context. Studies and surveys—including those conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and Litter base—show that EPS accounts for only 0.5% of marine litter by weight globally, and around 6–10% by item count. Notably, beach litter analysis does not reflect the full picture: according to CEN, such studies do not adequately represent marine plastic litter as a whole. Moreover, up to 70% of marine litter sinks and is not captured in surface monitoring exercises.
Marine litter — reality check
of marine litter by weight globally (JRC, Litterbase)
of total European beach litter is EPS fish boxes (68 items across all surveys)
← EPS · 0.5% ────────────── everything else ──────────────→
In a comprehensive JRC study, only 68 EPS fish box items were found across European beaches—accounting for just 0.02% of total beach litter. Regional studies, such as the 2019 Baltic Sea survey, estimate that EPS makes up between 0.0017% and 0.017% of regional EPS production in terms of leakage. These findings suggest that while EPS may be overrepresented in public perception due to its buoyancy and visibility, its actual quantitative impact on marine pollution is low—especially when measured by weight.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force on 11 February 2025, and offers an opportunity to modernise regulatory frameworks, but must remain grounded in scientifically accurate data. Blanket restrictions or reuse mandates that fail to consider hygiene, logistics, or recyclability risk undermine well-functioning recycling schemes and unintentionally increase the use of heavier, less sustainable alternatives.
Beyond individual national examples, EPS recycling is already established across a broad range of countries worldwide. According to consolidated data compiled in the context of international discussions, including the International Negotiating Committee (INC) process, 72 countries are engaged in EPS sustainability efforts, of which 54% have reported verified recycling rates. A significant proportion of these countries achieve recycling rates exceeding 30%, including North America and Europe, as well as countries such as Brazil and South Africa. Notably, reported data also include smaller island states and developing nations, such as the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, demonstrating that EPS recycling is technically and operationally feasible across diverse economic and geographic contexts. Several Asian countries report even higher rates, including China at 46%, Japan at 68%, Korea at 88%, and Taiwan at 83%. The compiled data were verified through multiple sources, including government agencies, third-party industry reports and EPS recycling machinery suppliers. These figures indicate that EPS recycling is not a pilot concept or future ambition, but an existing and functioning system delivering measurable circular outcomes at scale.
In parallel with operational recycling data, recent peer-reviewed research provides further technical validation of EPS recyclability. A study conducted by the Polymer Engineering Department of the University of Bayreuth, published in Polymer Engineering & Science, evaluated EPS bead foam under conditions aligned with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The researchers simulated ten consecutive mechanical recycling cycles using a constant 35% recycled content, reflecting expected regulatory requirements. The results showed that key molecular indicators, including molar mass and melt flow index, remained stable throughout the cycles. Although some mechanical properties decreased during the initial recycling stages, performance stabilised after the fourth cycle and showed no further significant deterioration up to the tenth cycle. Overall, the findings confirm that EPS can meet recycled content requirements under realistic industrial conditions without progressive molecular degradation, supporting its suitability for circular packaging applications.








