Visy announces new insulation to reduce the use of polystyrene

Packaging company Visy has announced a product called Visycell to replace problematic expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Visycell is a fibre-based thermal insulation liner which, like EPS, has strong thermal and cushioning qualities. But unlike EPS, Visycell has the added benefit of being recyclable through kerbside recycling bins.

Made in Melbourne’s west from cardboard waste offcuts, it has been specifically designed for Australia’s hot climate to keep temperature-sensitive food and beverages safe and fresh. It is currently being trialled with food delivery businesses.

“We’re working hard to help customers ditch problematic polystyrene and we’re pleased to be trialling Visycell as a new alternative,” said Rolland Zhang, New Business Projects Manager at Visy. “We think food and beverage customers will love Visycell — it will keep their product safe and fresh during transportation, is easily recycled and is locally made.

“We know it’s not just food and beverage companies wanting to ditch polystyrene, which is why Visycell has the potential to also be used to transport fragile goods and in building construction.”

The insulation has undergone rigorous testing and can also be flat-packed, saving businesses on transportation costs. Visycell has Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) certification for recyclability and can carry the Australasian Recycling Logo (ARL).

According to the APCO, less than 20% of EPS in Australia is recycled. Visy says that Visycell has the potential to replace the equivalent of over 170 Olympic swimming pools of EPS each year, significantly reducing the amount of material being sent to landfill or polluting our environment.

For businesses interested in adopting Visycell, Visy invites them to contact the company for an opportunity to try it.

Image credit: Visy