Expanded Polystyrene Life Cycle Analysis Literature Review: An Analysis for Different Disposal Scenarios

Abstract Expanded polystyrene is a common packaging material in the modern world. It is valued for attributes such as low cost and weight. Expanded polystyrene is a petroleum product, without a clear post‐use recycling pathway. Life cycle assessment is utilized in this review to explore the environmental impact of the different life stages of expanded polystyrene and their corresponding environmental impacts to inform the debate as to the best end‐of‐life management for expanded polystyrene. Recycling expanded polystyrene is not currently a common practice, as some of the characteristics that make it desirable for shipping make it challenging to recycle. However, if expanded polystyrene is recycled, it reduces the demand and associated environmental impacts of virgin expanded polystyrene.