Portuguese flatfish producer Flatlantic has begun using fish transport boxes supplied by BEWI and made from Certified Recycled EPS, a material derived partly from recycled expanded polystyrene.

According to BEWI, the boxes retain the same performance and quality standards, allowing for food-safe handling and transport.

The packaging change is said to result in a 30% cut in carbon footprint.

Certified Recycled EPS is produced using a combination of recycled and virgin feedstock.

Its use is governed by third-party certification, which allocates the material’s properties to sectors and products considered most suitable for them.

Flatlantic environmental manager Laura Roque said: “With excellent thermal insulation and durability, packaging of EPS is the best solution for transporting fresh fish. Boxes of Certified Recycled EPS reduce the use of virgin raw materials and lower the environmental footprint of our operations.”

BEWI said its circular division gathers 40,000 tonnes of used EPS each year and processes it into new raw material, recycled general-purpose polystyrene (rGPPS).

That material can be used either in the manufacture of new products, including insulation boards for the construction industry, or as input for Certified Recycled EPS production.

The material remains fully recyclable, in line with other EPS products.

BEWI operates in Europe as a supplier of packaging, components and insulation products. The group’s business model includes both production of raw materials and finished goods, alongside collection and recycling of used materials into new products.

BEWI ASA CEO Christian Bekken commented: “Providing our customers with circular solutions has long been a priority for us at BEWI. With Certified Recycled EPS, companies can increase the use of recycled content in packaging and reduce waste.

“This can also result in avoidance of plastic taxes, while at the same time meeting the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations.”