Industry news

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Hexa Bromo Cyclo Dodecane (HBCD) Update

At the Annual Conference Nigel Ash, General Manager of Expanz International, highlighted changes regarding HBCD - an item that has consistently been on the Board's radar. 

As part of the Stockholm Convention held earlier this year, HBCD was listed in Annex A. This means that HBCD use is to be banned from late 2014, however, there could be exemptions for EPS and XPS as Australia examines the recommendations before ratifying them.

While suggested alternatives have been put forward, at this stage predictions have shown that the most suitable would not match the global supply required. 

This raised many concerns from members, however, there is still limited information on how this will ultimately effect the industry in Australia. 

EPSA and the Board will keep all members up to date as the situation develops.

Draft Standard AS3999-2013 - Bulk thermal insulation - Installation Update

EPSA was advised at the Annual Conference regarding the revision to AS3999-1992 Thermal insulation of dwellings - Bulk Insulation - Installation requirements, which is now known as AS3999-2013 - Bulk thermal insulation - Installation. The new draft standard is open for a nine week public comment phase commencing from Friday, 18 October 2013.

EPSA would encourage all members involved in supplying EPS into the domestic housing market to read the draft carefully and address any comments to Australian Standards. 

While we do encourage members to read all the documents, we have highlighted the following sections that may be of particular interest:

• Section 2: Pre-installation inspection
• Section 3: General requirements for insulation installation
• Section 5: Thermal envelope detailed installation methods

A draft copy can be accessed through the Australian Standards website by clicking here. 

Packaging performance of EPS fish boxes / ASPER Box

We are proud to announce that at this month's Annual Conference we unveiled the ASPER Box with the help of Polyfoam's General Manager, Nick Tandy. A copy of the presentation given by Nick is held in the post Annual Conference pack, which has been distributed to all members. This arrival is quite timely for the packaging sector as European regulations have started to focus on the hygiene rules relating to food safety.

Additionally, UK studies have confirmed 10 credentials for EPS fish boxes:

1. Lightweight - EPS is 98% air, minimising weight impacts in transportation
2. Tough - The 2% polystyrene cellular matrix gives superior impact resistance
3. Insulating - Insulation performance keeps fish safe and eradicates waste
4. Hygienic & safe - EPS is non-toxic, chemically inert and fungi/bacteria cannot grow on it
5. Waterproof 
6. Low carbon impact - minimal energy and water inputs with no production waste
7. Economic - EPS is low cost
8. Natural - Styrene for EPS is a by-product of oil refining, but is also abundant in natural products
9. Recyclable - Most EPS packaging is easily recyclable
10. Life cycle advantages - Independent studies show no alternative offers better LCA performance than EPS for fishboxes.

For any additional information on EPS packaging, please access any of the links below:

• EPS Packaging: serving the cold chain
• Food law: code of practice (England)
• Australian Government - hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP)
• Life cycle assessment of the industrial use of expanded polystyrene packaging in Europe
• Comparison of EPS, waxed corrugate & corrugated twin wall polypropylene small shipping systems for temperature sensitive products
• Packaging Europe news

If any members would like more information about the ASPER Box, please contact EPSA. We will also be looking at promoting this product over the coming months, showcasing its benefits to relevant external stakeholders.