Electronic Parts/Guidelines - infoHouse

Landf////ng: Currently plastics account for 7% by Weight and 20% by volume of our municipal landfill.
Since, 15.9% of these plastics are polystyrene, 1.1% by weight and 3.2% by volume of landfill mate-
rials is thought to be polystyrene. Recycling efforts stand to reduce these figures even further.
7.5.2.4 Recommendations: Polystyrene is a material whose packaging properties offer many
values Including stability, cushioning effects, and little Weight. While it has been dubbed a villain In our
landfills, Its envlronmental Impacts appear to be in the areas of hazardous waste and air emissions
rather than in solid waste disposal.
Post consumer recycling efforts could reduce demand for virgin styrene and thus source reduce some
of the hazardous wastes involved in styrenetpolystyrene manufacturing.
Polystyrene recycling processes, especially those involving re- expansion of the material, have low tol-
erance for contamination. Therefore, packaging professionals can facilitate polystyrene recycling with
packaging designs that ensure its integrity as a post-consumer recycling material.
Continued efforts by the chemical industry to reduce hazardous waste should be encouraged, partic-
ularly by key customers such as electronics industry packaging professionals who specify polystyrene
packaging components.
7.5.3 Environmental Impact of Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene is a commonly used material In a large percentage of electronic packaging designs. PE
is used in several forms inClUding bags, sheeting, rigid trays and expanded foams. These foams may
include roll stock in thin grades and semi rigid plank products. This report will deal specifically with
expanded PE foams. Most issues and recommendations apply equally to polypropylene foam as well.
PE foam is normally bought by the end users from a local distributor or fabricator. These companies in
turn purchase the product from one of the manufacturers who provide the product in bundles, plank or
bun form. The fabricators and distributors add value by converting or supplying the material in smaller
quantities or in a form such as custom shaped cushions, die cut pieces, pouches or in combination
with other materials.
7.5.3.1 Resources: Ethylene is a by-product of the petroleum industry, and like all petroleumbased
materials, is derived from non-renewable resources. Nearly all PE foam is manufactured from
virgin resin today. Most manufacturers are developing products with recycled content. Blowing agents
used in the expansion process for the PE foam are typically either HCFCs or hydrocarbons. Other
materlals are used in small quantities as coloring agents or aids in the manufacturing process.
7.5.3.2 Manufacturing issues: PE foam is manufactured in one process which takes PE resin,
blends it with a blowing agent under heat and pressure, extrudes the mlxture through a die. The result
after extrusion is escape of the blowing agent and the final product of PE foam with millions of small
air cells which provide the CUShiOning, Insulation and surface protection. The escaped blowing agent
may be released to the outside atmosphere or captured and reused through a closed manufacturing
system. This recapture system is expensive to implement and maintain. Its installation should be
encouraged to reduce harmful air emissions and preserve natural resources.
Energy Use: This varies depending on the manufacturing system used and is generally from running
the extruder. Very little energy is used in the converting process which consists of cutting, perforating
andtor laminating.
Weter Use: Some water is used for cooling on some extruders. It is generally unpolluted and can be
easily reused or returned to the municipal water system.
ufe cycle Assessment 61