{"id":110,"date":"2020-01-09T09:12:52","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T09:12:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hydropac.co.uk\/?p=110"},"modified":"2025-03-31T11:24:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T11:24:03","slug":"foam-shipping-containers-place-eco-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hydropac.co.uk\/eco-friendly\/foam-shipping-containers-place-eco-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Do foam shipping containers still have a place in our eco world?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Foam shipping containers are still seen by many as the backbone of the temperature-controlled shipping industry, as they are highly effective at what they do. Indeed, our EPS polystyrene box shipping systems<\/a> are still one of our biggest selling products and whilst ithey doesn\u2019t tick that many eco boxes, they are the only version on the market to offer the same combination of insulation, water resistance and cushioning protective qualities at this price point. That all said, globally we are all moving to more eco friendly options (and we have our own range of those, too) so do foam shipping containers really have a place left in the market, and if so, how long for?<\/p>\n

Foam containers vary in their eco-friendliness largely by what they\u2019re made of; a container made from Low Density Polyethylene Foam (LDPE) for example is a better environmental option than one made from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). This is because LDPE will bend but not break and is less toxic than other main plastics if it does get sent to landfill. EPS by comparison breaks up very easily and over time will pollute its surroundings by leaching out styrene (which is a carcinogen). It should be noted that both types can be recycled but at specialist centres, so it\u2019s important not to put them out for recycling with normal household collections, as they will either not be taken or sent to landfill. The Recycle Now Recycling Locator<\/a> is a handy tool for checking your nearest recycling centres and what they will accept.<\/p>\n

That said, many are moving to more eco-friendly options all round, although often at slightly higher cost than buying the traditional foam shipping system. In the long run, it is easier to dispose of a fully recyclable system and many companies capitalise on the eco-benefits in their own marketing to their end customers.<\/p>\n

Eco-Friendly Alternatives<\/h2>\n

Shipping systems made from recycled \/ recycled materials are the dream, and as time goes on more and more businesses are moving to this ethos instead of just sticking with what they know. It may be a long time before the majority switch over \u2013 it\u2019s hard to take the plunge into the unknown when you have systems in place that work \u2013 but the eco-benefits do make for pleasant reading when compared to foam systems that offer the same service.<\/p>\n