- The Polyformes Blog
- Can Foam Be Recycled? A Guide to Recycling Packaging Foams
The short answer, yes, many types of foam can be recycled, but the process depends on the type of foam and local recycling facilities. Some foams, like Plastazote®, can be mechanically recycled and repurposed into new products. Others may require specialist recycling streams or be better suited to re-use and repurposing rather than traditional curbside recycling.
The short answer, yes, many types of foam can be recycled, but the process depends on the type of foam and local recycling facilities. Some foams, like Plastazote®, can be mechanically recycled and repurposed into new products. Others may require specialist recycling streams or be better suited to re-use and repurposing rather than traditional curbside recycling.
At Polyformes, we actively design our foam packaging solutions to be more sustainable. This includes using recycled materials, producing recyclable foam inserts and ensuring products are easy to separate and reprocess at end of life.
Not all foams are the same. Here are the most common types used in packaging and manufacturing—and how they can be recycled:
Plastazote is a closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE) foam. It's chemically inert, durable and recyclable. It can be mechanically ground down and reprocessed into new foam products or plastic components. Polyformes also offers recycled Plastazote options, helping reduce virgin material use.
These are non-cross-linked PE foams commonly used in transit packaging. They're easier to recycle than many foams and can often be collected in industrial plastic recycling schemes. Their resilience also makes them suitable for reuse in multiple shipping cycles.
While EPS can be recycled, most curbside programs don't accept it. It usually requires specialist collection and compaction due to its volume-to-weight ratio.
Foam recycling reduces landfill waste, lowers carbon emissions and allows valuable polymers to be reused in manufacturing. In industries where protective foam packaging is essential—like aerospace, medical and engineering—recycling helps align packaging operations with corporate sustainability goals and regulatory targets. By designing foam trays and inserts for long service life, reusability and end-of-life recycling, companies can make a measurable impact.
The recycling process usually involves:
Polyformes works with recycling partners to ensure that foams we produce can be reprocessed effectively wherever possible.
Absolutely. In fact, re-use is often the most sustainable option. High-performance foams like Plastazote and Stratocell can withstand multiple cycles of use without losing their protective properties. Many of our clients in aerospace, engineering, and manufacturing industries use returnable transit packaging that incorporates durable foam inserts designed for long life.
Sustainability is a key part of our design process. Here's how we support foam recycling:
Learn more about our Designed for Recycling approach.
No. Some foams are easily recycled through specialist streams, while others require reuse or alternative disposal methods.
Most UK curbside collections don't accept foam. You'll usually need to take it to a recycling centre or use a specialist service.
Plastazote is durable, inert, non-toxic, and recyclable. When designed for multiple uses, it can be a sustainable packaging choice.
It can be turned into new foam sheets, insulation, mats, or used as feedstock for other plastic products.
Yes. We supply both recycled Plastazote® and recyclable PE foams as part of our commitment to sustainable packaging solutions.
Foam can be recycled… but choosing the right type of foam and designing for its full lifecycle is key. At Polyformes, we combine over 40 years of foam engineering expertise with sustainable design practices to help businesses reduce waste and meet environmental targets without compromising protection or performance.
Contact us today to learn more about our recyclable foam packaging solutions.