ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 100% EPS RECYCLING
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Polystyrene is a polymer and consists of only one type of monomer, namely styrene. Styrene is a by-product of oil, which is used for several different types of plastics and not just polystyrene. Did you know that styrene occurs naturally in cinnamon, coffee beans, strawberries and wheat? Raw material producer’s covert the styrene into polystyrene, which is then converted into EPS raw materials. The producers of expanded polystyrene products use steam to heat the EPS beads. This causes the EPS beads to expand into loose foamed EPS beads that are up to 50 times their original volume. So, EPS is made of 98% air.
Recycling and sustainability have become increasingly important in the UK’s TV and film industries in recent years, as the sector grapples with its environmental impact. Traditionally, film and television productions have been resource-intensive, generating substantial waste from sets, costumes, catering, and transportation. However, there's a growing movement toward greener practices, with organisations such as Albert (an industry-backed sustainability project) leading the charge. Supported by BAFTA, Albert provides tools, training, and certification to encourage productions to reduce their carbon footprints and implement more sustainable working methods.
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Our sister company JMSS Ltd have been involved with ALBERT from its inception and recently has been once again accepted onto the list of Albert accredited suppliers. Robocarv is currently working to achieve this same standing.
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One major area of improvement has been set recycling. In the past, constructed sets were often discarded after filming, ending up in landfills. Now, more productions are embracing the reuse of materials, with set pieces and props being stored, repurposed, or donated to community theatre groups, educational institutions, or other productions. Some studios, such as Pinewood and BBC Studios, have implemented set reuse programs and established recycling systems on-site to minimise waste. Costume departments are also prioritising the reuse and repurposing of clothing, and increasingly sourcing second-hand or sustainably made items.
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Additionally, recycling and waste reduction are being integrated into everyday production practices, from using compostable catering materials to encouraging crew to bring reusable water bottles. Some productions are opting for digital rather than paper call sheets and scripts to cut down on paper use. While these efforts alone won’t solve the industry’s environmental issues, they represent a significant cultural shift. With increasing pressure from audiences, regulators, and climate advocates, the UK film and TV sector is taking meaningful steps towards embedding circular economy principles into its creative and operational workflows.