In the quest for a more sustainable future, the construction industry is increasingly looking to circular economy principles to reduce waste and environmental impact. A recent study led by Malin zu Castell-Rüdenhausen from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. in Espoo, Finland, has shed light on the significant potential for recycling polystyrene, a widely used commodity plastic. The findings, published in the journal ‘Circular Economy’ (Circular Economy), offer a roadmap for enhancing polystyrene recycling, with implications that extend beyond Finland to the global construction and energy sectors.
Polystyrene, known for its versatility and good recyclability, is ubiquitous in construction materials, packaging, and electronics. However, its recycling rates lag behind those of other plastics. Zu Castell-Rüdenhausen’s research identifies key waste streams—municipal solid waste, plastic packaging waste, construction and demolition waste, and waste from electrical and electronic equipment—that could serve as valuable feedstock for polystyrene recycling.
The study developed a spreadsheet-based material flow model to estimate the extraction of polystyrene from these waste streams. By tailoring the input data, this model can be applied to other regions, making it a versatile tool for policymakers and industry stakeholders. “The results show significant potential for polystyrene recycling by implementing collection schemes for polystyrene at construction sites and by extracting polystyrene from separately collected plastic packaging waste and waste electronics, as well as by introducing industrial post-sorting of residual municipal solid waste,” Zu Castell-Rüdenhausen explained.
The findings reveal a substantial potential for polystyrene recycling in Finland, with over 10 thousand tonnes of polystyrene available as feedstock. The construction sector alone could contribute up to 5.2 thousand tonnes, while separately collected plastic packaging waste and waste from electrical and electronic equipment could yield 2.6 thousand tonnes and 1.8 thousand tonnes, respectively. Additionally, industrial post-sorting of residual municipal solid waste could provide another 3.2 thousand tonnes.
For the energy sector, the implications are clear: increased recycling of polystyrene means reduced reliance on virgin materials, which in turn lowers energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production. As European recycling targets drive the push for circularity, this research underscores the need for improved data collection and waste management strategies. “A major obstacle for plastic recycling is related to the lack of data related to plastic waste flows,” noted Zu Castell-Rüdenhausen. Addressing this data gap is crucial for optimizing recycling efforts and maximizing the benefits of a circular economy.
The study’s findings could reshape future developments in the field by encouraging more robust collection and sorting infrastructure, particularly at construction sites. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and research institutions to achieve meaningful progress in plastic circularity. As the construction industry continues to evolve, embracing these insights could pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.
