Latest news - Autumn 2016elimination of HBCDKay-Metzeler is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and legal compliance.
With this in mind we stopped the manufacture of EPS insulation using Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in January of 2015. The sunset date(under REACH regulations) for the use of HBCD in raw material form was August 2015, we decided on the early implementation of these regulations in order that our customers were HBCD free before the sunset date and also to reduce our impact on the environment. The next phase of elimination of HBCD from the supply chain is concerns the recycling of HBCD containing materials: Regulation (EU) 2016/460 came into force on the 30/09/16, this regulation requires that all materials containing >1000mg/kg of HBCD must be destroyed. From 30/09/16 products containing HBCD should not be land filled or recycled; the designated method of disposal in the UK is by municipal incineration preferably with waste recovery. Please see attached Environment Agency guidance on HBCD. So that we can still provide an outlet for customers to recycle expanded polystyrene products, we will require a waste transfer note including the following comment: Description of waste
If you require any further information you can contact our technical team on 01245 342104 or email us at epstechnical@vcfuk.com news - Autumn 2015airpop® - a new name for a well-established material
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UK’S TOP MANUFACTURERS AND PRODUCERS OF EPS SIGN CODE OF PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMERS
The British Plastic Federation’s EPS members, supplying EPS to industries ranging from construction and civil engineering to packaging and insulation, have signed up to a commitment to product excellence, technical and professional standards and the highest levels of customer care.
BPF says the move follows consultation with stakeholders and associated industry bodies and will act as a reassurance of production and service standards at all times. As signatories to the new code of practice, members are assigned a unique member code and allowed to display the membership badge on all materials including technical and sales literature, vehicle liveries and web site information.
David Emes, Chairman of the BPF EPS group said “Described by one national stakeholder as ‘definitely a proactive move forward’, I believe this is a significant step which commits our responsible members to maintain the highest standards from production quality to customer care. Whilst these companies operate in diverse customer sectors from construction and building insulation to product packaging, they have agreed a common set of principles of quality, service and trust which stands them apart. Effectively, this is a ‘contract of care’ in everything they do and any company requiring EPS or EPS products can feel comfortable in seeking advice and support from one of the members listed on our official web site www.eps.co.uk
The British Plastics Federationis the UK’sleading trade authority in plastics design, technical advancement and manufacture. Members of the EPS Group include:processors and converters of EPS; raw material suppliers; suppliers of EPS processing, manufacturing and auxiliary equipment andrecyclers of EPS.
The Code covers eleven key operational areas from accuracy of technical and marketing information to training and contractor standards, assessments and compliance to regulatory and industry requirements – as well as a commitment to recycling.
David Emes said “This is a commitment with teeth. We have a strict disciplinary code which carries the risk of expulsion and a recourse to legal action where regulatory or statutory obligations have not been met. We are determined that the UK EPS industry provides a world-class resource and service quality to its customers through membership of our group.”
The move also coincides with the adoption by the UK group of a new Europe-wide branding for Expanded Polystyrene which is now being marketed across all applications as airpop® engineered air.
BPF says the move follows consultation with stakeholders and associated industry bodies and will act as a reassurance of production and service standards at all times. As signatories to the new code of practice, members are assigned a unique member code and allowed to display the membership badge on all materials including technical and sales literature, vehicle liveries and web site information.
David Emes, Chairman of the BPF EPS group said “Described by one national stakeholder as ‘definitely a proactive move forward’, I believe this is a significant step which commits our responsible members to maintain the highest standards from production quality to customer care. Whilst these companies operate in diverse customer sectors from construction and building insulation to product packaging, they have agreed a common set of principles of quality, service and trust which stands them apart. Effectively, this is a ‘contract of care’ in everything they do and any company requiring EPS or EPS products can feel comfortable in seeking advice and support from one of the members listed on our official web site www.eps.co.uk
The British Plastics Federationis the UK’sleading trade authority in plastics design, technical advancement and manufacture. Members of the EPS Group include:processors and converters of EPS; raw material suppliers; suppliers of EPS processing, manufacturing and auxiliary equipment andrecyclers of EPS.
The Code covers eleven key operational areas from accuracy of technical and marketing information to training and contractor standards, assessments and compliance to regulatory and industry requirements – as well as a commitment to recycling.
David Emes said “This is a commitment with teeth. We have a strict disciplinary code which carries the risk of expulsion and a recourse to legal action where regulatory or statutory obligations have not been met. We are determined that the UK EPS industry provides a world-class resource and service quality to its customers through membership of our group.”
The move also coincides with the adoption by the UK group of a new Europe-wide branding for Expanded Polystyrene which is now being marketed across all applications as airpop® engineered air.
Kay Metzeler have completed trials of the “NEW” Polymeric material
From the start of 2015 Kay Metzeler will be manufacturing “HBCD” free material with view that by 2nd quarter Kay Metzeler will be HBCD free, well before the 15th August 2015 when HBCD’s will be outlawed in Europe.
David Emes
