U.S. States and Cities with a Styrofoam Ban and Why
Are you wondering more about Styrofoam bans? Discover what U.S. states and cities have Styrofoam bans, the potential benefits, and what eco-friendly alternative products exist.
TSS Thermalist
August 1, 2023 | Sustainable Leadership
Styrofoam Ban Explained
Styrofoam is a lightweight, rigid plastic foam material made from polystyrene. It is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Insulation
- Packaging material
- Craft projects
- Food packaging and foam takeout boxes
- Non-recyclable disposables
- Plastic utensils
- Other single-use plastics
- Soundproofing
Styrofoam is a household name, and it’s not hard to see why: it’s lightweight, it retains energy, and it’s ubiquitous. But today Styrofoam is more known for its environmental impact and the waste associated with the modern shipping chain.
Fortunately, new technology is using PET plastic in a brand new way, which matches Styrofoam on thermal retention, packs down to an extremely lightweight material, and is just as cost-efficient.
The kicker? While Styrofoam ends up in the landfills to sit and rot for decades, PET is 100% recyclable and renewable, making it an incredibly sustainable solution for cold chain shipping and aligning with the goals of the styrofoam ban movement.
Styrofoam is often used as an insulating material because it has excellent thermal properties and can be easily molded into shapes. However, it’s one of the most unsustainable insulation options. It’s non-biodegradable, contains chemicals that can harm both humans and the environment, its production uses large amounts of energy, and it produces hazardous byproducts such as benzene and formaldehyde, known carcinogens.
When disposed of improperly, Styrofoam breaks down into small pieces, which can be ingested by animals or end up in waterways where they can cause harm to aquatic life.
Fortunately, new innovations have provided more sustainable solutions. PET, for example, provides the same thermal benefits as Styrofoam and is cost-efficient, yet it’s 100% recyclable and completely eco-friendly.
Why Has Styrofoam Been Banned?
Styrofoam has been banned in many US states because of its environmental impact. Styrofoam is not biodegradable, meaning it will stay in landfills for centuries without breaking down. It can also break into small pieces and easily be mistaken as food by wildlife, leading to ingestion and potential death.
The production of Styrofoam releases hazardous chemicals into the air, such as benzene and styrene, which can harm human health if inhaled over long periods. Disposing of it can also be quite hazardous. When burned in open fires or incinerators, Styrofoam releases toxic fumes that can cause respiratory problems and other illnesses.
Who Has Banned Styrofoam?
In response to these issues with Styrofoam use and disposal, many local governments and states have taken action with Styrofoam bans or with legislation to restrict its use. One such place is the city of Los Angeles. In December of 2022, they passed a law banning the sale of Styrofoam and distribution of it at facilities such as:
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Bars
- Vendors
- Large retailers
Other states like New York have implemented similar laws that limit the sale of products made with polystyrene foam while encouraging businesses to switch to more sustainable alternatives like PET or sustainable plastics.
Besides entire states and cities, certain companies have also taken steps to reduce their reliance on Styrofoam packaging materials. Ikea is working to move away from Styrofoam with innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Walmart has also committed to reducing its single-use plastic and packaging use by 100% by 2025 (currently at 58%).
Styrofoam vs. Polystyrene
Styrofoam and polystyrene are forms of plastic that are commonly used in the production of products. Styrofoam is a trademarked name for Expanded Poly Styrene (EPS). It is a lightweight material made up of tiny beads fused with steam and pressure to form a solid material. This makes it ideal for insulation, packaging, and other applications.
Polystyrene, on the other hand, is a hard plastic made from petroleum-based compounds. It is often used in:
- Food containers
- Disposable cups
- Cutlery
- Other similar items
This material is used because it can be easily molded into different shapes. Polystyrene has poor insulation properties compared to Styrofoam, but it is much more durable because of its hard surface.
The main difference between Styrofoam and polystyrene lies in their physical properties. Styrofoam is much lighter than polystyrene due to its air-filled cells, making it great for insulation and cushioning fragile items during shipping or storage. On the other hand, polystyrene has excellent durability since it does not break down as quickly as Styrofoam does.
Polystyrene cannot be recycled due to its chemical composition. This makes it extremely difficult to break down into usable components again without releasing harmful toxins into the environment when burned or melted down for reuse. It also means recycling is essentially impossible.
How are Styrofoam Bans Helping the Environment?
Reducing Landfill Waste and Environmental Litter
Styrofoam bans in US states and cities are helping the environment by reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste in landfills. Styrofoam is a type of plastic foam made from polystyrene, which does not break down easily and can take hundreds of years to decompose. It is also very lightweight, so it often ends up blowing away and ending up in waterways or other areas where it can cause harm to wildlife.
Reducing Air Pollution Levels
Besides reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste entering our environment, Styrofoam bans help reduce air pollution. Polystyrene manufacturing requires burning fossil fuels, which releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. By eliminating its use, cities, and states are helping to reduce air pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Promoting Sustainable Alternatives
Styrofoam bans also help promote more sustainable alternatives, such as PET or sustainable plastics made from materials like glass or stainless steel. These products are much more durable than Styrofoam and do not release pollutants into the atmosphere when produced. Alternative packing saves businesses money on packaging costs since they can be reused multiple times before needing replacement.
Styrofoam Alternatives
Styrofoam is no longer the only solution for brands looking for a thermally secure, cost-effective options.
The Renewliner, for example, is sourced from PET. Not only does it go toe to toe with Styrofoam on insulation tests, it is 100% recyclable with significantly lower carbon emission production.
