Recycling EPS and Manufacturing Waffle Pods Slabs

 

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been widely adopted across various industries within Australia due to its unique properties as a material. Within the building industry, EPS has proven to significantly outperform other materials whilst providing end-consumers with a cost-effective and fully recyclable product. 

Undoubtedly the most recognisable form of EPS in the construction industry, is the use of waffle pods in raft slab systems outlined in AS2870-2011 Residential slabs and footings – Construction. The waffle pod slab packages offered by Nicsons Building Products offer sustainable solutions to the ongoing challenges of managing and recycling EPS and plastic waste, spearheaded by our industry-leading technology and machinery. 

EPS provides the end-consumer with a cost-effective and fully recyclable product.

EPS provides the end-consumer with a cost-effective and fully recyclable product.

Advantages of Using Waffle Pods in Concrete Slabs

This package typically consists of three major components; steel reinforcement, supporting plastic accessories i.e. bar chairs, and of course polystyrene pods. Waffle pods offer a unique set of advantages to customers that are economic and/or environmentally conscious, these include:

  • Simplify construction and installation processes with the use of waffle pods.

  • Easily shaped and therefore adaptive to all slab dimensions and service penetrations.

  • The only formally recognised void former system under AS2870-2011 Residential slabs and footings – Construction.

  • Lightweight for safe handling and installation.

  • Energy-efficient slabs are created through insulation voids to create thermal insulation.

  • Significantly reduce concrete consumption cost savings and minimize natural resource consumption in the slab.

  • 100% Australian made.

  • 100% recyclable materials and recycling service.

  • Efficient use of raw materials – compromising of circa 98% air, whilst achieving compliance with relevant standards

    and building codes.

  • No residual waste is generated during the manufacturing process.

How TO Reduce Construction Cost with Waffle Pod Slabs

The manufacturing process of waffle pod concrete slabs is hugely sustainable given the fact that waffle pods are 100% recyclable and Nicsons Building Products uses all the recycled material in the production of new waffle pods. Moreover, the energy drawn to power our innovative manufacturing facility is collected from renewable sources. Even during pre-expansion and moulding, steam is the predominant input required (other than power) – unlike the production of many other synthetic building materials. Nicsons Building Products has actively worked towards refining operations and implementing technologies that would further drive energy-efficient production.

Waffle pods are 100% recyclable and Nicsons Building Products uses all the recycled material in the production of new waffle pods.

Waffle pods are 100% recyclable and Nicsons Building Products uses all the recycled material in the production of new waffle pods.

An integral part of Nicsons Building Products’ operations is the polystyrene foam collection program that is being extended to local businesses to assist in managing their waste disposal responsibilities. Traditionally, Nicsons Building Products have collected waste from customers following installation, however with a growing need amongst local businesses and individuals to correctly dispose of polystyrene waste, Nicsons Building Products now offers a business-to-business collection service and uses high-tech EPS machines for recycling.

Environmental Programs by Nicson’s Experts

Awareness and support amongst community members will enable this program to achieve some of the outcomes set out by NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), namely establishing and maintaining a resource recovery supply chain for EPS across NSW. 

Whilst the program is still developing, Nicsons Building Products welcomes EPS recycling enquiries from businesses across Sydney metro and outskirt locations. With the capability to recycle and reprocess 2 tonnes of EPS waste each day, there is an enormous opportunity for Nicsons Building Products to further meet commitments to stakeholders such as local governments, businesses and consumers.

For further information on waffle pod packages or polystyrene recycling please submit your enquiry to sales@nicsonsbp.com.au.

Alternatively, call (02) 9833 8322.

 
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