For decades, polystyrene has been a packaging mainstay. It’s lightweight, cheap, and it takes a beating. Environmental issues aside, polystyrene has provided excellent protection for fragile goods over the years. It has provided its service.
However, behind all that convenience and protection lies a long list of environmental and health concerns. Many businesses, because of these issues, are now reconsidering its use.
Let’s unpack why polystyrene is falling out of favour and what alternatives are stepping in to replace it.
It’s a Persistent Environmental Pollutant
One of polystyrene’s most scripted issue is that it doesn’t biodegrade. Rather than biodegrading it breaks into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics that persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
These particles are now found everywhere: in our rivers, oceans, beaches, and even the air we breathe. Microplastics, despite their physical size, are a big problem.
It Damages Wildlife
The problem with its newfound omnipotence polystyrene enters natural habitats. As such, wildlife can mistake it for food. Birds, fish, and marine mammals have all been found with polystyrene in their stomachs. This causes blockages, malnutrition, and far too often, death.
Worse still, the toxic chemicals using in the manufacture of polystyrene leaches into water and soil, further damaging the world’s ecosystems.
It’s Difficult to Recycle
Polystyrene is technically recyclable. Its low density, however, makes it expensive to collect, transport, and process. Most recycling centres refuse to accept it. This means it will end up in landfill or incineration. Even when recycled, the material has a very limited number of it can be reused before degrading in quality. That means, over the decades, a lot of polystyrene has built up in landfills.
Health Concerns for Humans
Polystyrene is made from styrene. The World Health Organisation classifies styrene as a possible human carcinogen. Whilst exposure from packaging is minimal, workers involved in manufacturing or recycling polystyrene face much higher risks. Moreover, heating or burning polystyrene can also release toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
It’s Falling Out of Favour Globally
Many countries, states, and cities have already introduced bans or restrictions on polystyrene food containers and packaging. The EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, for example, has prohibited its use in certain products since 2021. This trend is only expected to grow as governments respond to mounting environmental pressure.
Better Alternatives
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly packaging solutions that offer the same protective qualities without the environmental burden:
• Moulded pulp from recycled paper
• Corrugated cardboard with innovative designs for cushioning
• Compostable plant-based foams made from corn starch or mycelium
• Recyclable insulated liners for temperature-sensitive goods
By choosing sustainable alternatives, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint while meeting growing consumer demand for greener packaging.
The Bottom Line
Polystyrene might be cheap and convenient, but its environmental and health costs are far too high to ignore. Moving away from it isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for business, too.
Consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on sustainability, and companies that adapt now will be better positioned for the future.
To discuss how Goggleboxes can be kerbside recycled conveniently by your customers contact us today on 01536 747766 or email sales@goggleboxes.com with your enquiry.
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