A study by Conversio (Mainz / Germany; www.conversio-gmbh.com) shows that the recovery of used EPS and XPS waste in Germany is at a very high level. In 2016, when the reclassification of EPS and XPS waste containing HBCD flame retardants led to serious disposal bottlenecks, 98% of the 110,000 t of EPS and XPS post-consumer waste was recovered. Overall, 37,000 t was recycled and 71,000 t sent for energy recovery.

According to the study titled "Generation and Management of EPS and XPS Waste in Germany 2016", commissioned by the German plastics recycling industry association BKV (Frankfurt; www.bkv-gmbh.de), more than half of EPS and XPS insulating materials containing HBCD, and currently installed in buildings, will have been disposed of in the next 50 years. At present, some 7.2m t is still present in existing buildings.

In 2016, the study reports that around 307,000 t of EPS and XPS was processed into products. Of this, 268,000 t (97%) went into building applications and 39,000 t (13%) into the packaging sector.

The study involved several trade associations and plastics producers, and BKV, which represents the entire plastics chain, is aiming to establish a reliable database in the ongoing debate about how best to deal with EPS/XPS waste that contains HBCD. The complete study can be purchased via the BKV website for EUR 300.