"Using 'RecyCoolers' could potentially decrease reliance on styrofoam packaging harmful to the environment"
In the shift toward more eco-friendly practices, a Cali packaging company is leading the charge with its innovative "RecyCoolers" containers. Made of recyclable paper and fiber, these containers could revolutionize the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and lab reagents worldwide.
This move towards sustainability is a clear indication that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are driving a greener future in the U.S. At least 33 states have adopted EPR laws, aiming to minimize the use of plastic and Styrofoam - polluting materials that add to our planet's woes.
Every year, about 80 million tons of packaging trash is dumped in the United States, with only half of it recycled, and a mere 9% of plastic packaging meeting the same fate. EPR laws are designed to reduce landfill waste, boost recycling rates, and curb environmental damage caused by non-recyclable materials. As a result, businesses are facing increasingly stringent packaging regulations that are constantly evolving.
As of last month, seven states have implemented EPR legislation specifically targeting packaging materials: California, Washington, New Jersey, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine.
Katherine Tellock, CEO of Chicago Environmentalists, commented, "As the world heats up, it makes sense that there's a call for safe shipping options. It'd be great if they switched to completely recyclable items, as they can be continuously washed out and reused—nearly always less environmentally impactful."
Recently, Container Consulting Service (CCS) in Gilroy, California, launched the RecyCoolers. These containers — third-party validated to meet ISTA Thermal and ISTA Transit standards — offer a viable alternative to polystyrene. CCS claims its patented design uses open-cell woven or nonwoven paper fibers, making the containers robust enough to maintain cold temperatures equivalent to expanded polyethylene.
The RecyCoolers can keep their contents frozen or refrigerated for over 100 hours, making them suitable for long-haul and international shipments. Once they reach their destination, these curbside-recyclable, paper-fiber shipping containers can be transformed into other paper products.
Compared to polystyrene, RecyCoolers present a more sustainable option, according to Tellock. Fragments of polystyrene and polyethylene, common in most coolers, pose significant threats to humans and wildlife, as they are not biodegradable. Moreover, styrene carcinogens are released during production and use, and the environment is polluted because these materials are lightweight, easy to fragment, and often ingested by wildlife. Styrofoam can persist for thousands of years, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
Critics of polystyrene argue that the material is more economical due to its lower weight, using less energy and water than paper or fiber-based alternatives. However, many U.S. lawmakers are advocating for bans on polystyrene products. In March, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, introduced the Farewell to Foam Act, a proposal to eliminate the sale and distribution of polystyrene products starting in 2028. California already passed a law requiring plastic and packaging companies to reduce single-use plastics, although its implementation remains uncertain.
The global move to drop plastic foam packaging is gaining momentum. Countries such as Canada, Germany, and Zimbabwe have banned or restricted the use of Styrofoam, particularly in packaging and food service. The growing adoption of eco-friendly alternatives like RecyCoolers signals the direction the industry is headed in both domestic and international cold-chain shipping.
- Lawmakers in the U.S. are advocating for bans on polystyrene products, such as the Farewell to Foam Act proposed by Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Lloyd Doggett.
- The innovative RecyCoolers, made of recyclable paper and fiber, could revolutionize the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods, presenting a more sustainable option compared to polystyrene.
- At least seven states have implemented EPR legislation specifically targeting packaging materials, aiming to minimize the use of polluting materials like plastic and Styrofoam.
- Science has shown that styrene carcinogens are released during the production and use of polystyrene, posing significant threats to humans and wildlife.
- As climate-change becomes more prevalent, Katherine Tellock, CEO of Chicago Environmentalists, emphasizes the importance of safe shipping options, suggesting a shift towards completely recyclable items for less environmental impact.
