Learn more about this material, including recovery and recycling and which Dart products are made from it.
Ready to talk? Fill out the form below, check off the products you are interested in and a Dart Sales Rep will be in touch!
Expanded polystyrene (foam) is a multi-faceted plastic used in many common items. It’s known for its light weight, economical value and insulation capabilities. Products made from expanded polystyrene are marked by a “6” within a solid triangle – its resin identification code. This is usually found on or near the bottom of the product.
Expanded polystyrene starts as a liquid monomer and is transformed into a stable, solid polymer pellet. To turn the pellets into polystyrene foam, they are impregnated with a blowing agent, such as pentane or carbon dioxide. This transforms them into “pre-puff” beads. The beads are then heated and puffed up like popcorn. These beads are made into cups, plates and containers through thermoforming or steam-chest molding.
Thermoforming
requires laying an extruded sheet of plastic over a mold. Then heat and suction are used to form the plastic into the shape of the mold. Once shaped, these sheets are cooled and trimmed to create the finished product.
During steam-chest molding
polystyrene beads are blown into a mold, further expanded with steam, and fused into puffed beads. The mold releases the final product, and no trimming or cutting is needed.
RECOVERING & RECYCLING EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE
DID YOU KNOW?
Expanded polystyrene can be recycled. Recycling facilities are limited at this time; however, access is increasing in the US and Canada. Packaging that is less than 2”x2”x2” or black in color is unlikely to be recovered at typical sorting facilities.
For the most accurate information, we recommend checking with your local municipality or waste hauler to see if expanded polystyrene is accepted in your community’s recycling program. Dart offers public foam recycling in communities where we have a facility. We also offer our Cups Are Recyclable (CARE) program for large-volume foam cup customers and our Recycla-Pak program for smaller settings.
Temperature Range
-4°F to 212°F
Temperature ranges should only be used to guide the customer's testing protocol to ensure the product will work properly for their specific application.
Products
Cups
ThermoGlaze® Insulated Foam Custom Print Cups
ThermoGlaze® Insulated Foam Cups Stock Prints
LX® Insulated Foam Stock Prints
Trophy® Plus™ Dual Temperature Insulated Cups
Graduated J Cup® Insulated Foam Cup Stock Print
J Cup® Insulated Foam Stock Prints
Accessories
If you're in the business of giving people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are, Dart can help. Fill out this form to get connected with our sales team!
Dart uses the information you provide to contact you about our relevant content, products and news. You may unsubscribe at any time. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.