BEWI inaugurates circular hub in Norrköping

The first EPS recycling hub in Sweden is officially opened

BEWI has offi cially opened its first circular hub in Sweden, located in Norrköping, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to the circular economy. The new facility increases BEWI’s EPS (expanded polystyrene) recycling capacity by 40%, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s leading EPS recyclers.

This facility, the first of its kind in Sweden, was unveiled to clients, suppliers, and partners, including renowned companies like STENA Recycling, Site ZERO, Renall, Elgiganten, and others. The hub highlights BEWI’s innovative approach to turning used EPS, commonly found in packaging and insulation, into valuable raw material ready for reuse.

 

 

From incineration to new products

BEWI collects used EPS, compresses it and brings it to the new facility in Norrköping. Here, the material will be recycled and ready to be used in new products. Between 700-800 tons per month – that otherwise would have been incinerated – will be recycled. The volume corresponds to 6000 trucks of non-compressed EPS.

“The new facility in Norrköping is a major contribution to our, as well as our customers’ goals of closing the circular loop. We can now ensure that EPS is not discarded or incinerated, but instead reintroduced into the production cycle”, says Johan Borggren, Regional Manager at BEWI Circular Sweden.

A closed loop for EPS

The strategic location in Norrköping enables efficient transportation to and from customers and BEWI’s collection facilities around Sweden and Europe. The facility also has the potential to expand in the future.

“More and more customers are facing higher demands and asking for circular solutions. Our handling of EPS creates a closed loop that saves natural resources, reduces waste management, lowers CO2 emissions and reduces water consumption”, says Elin Sohlberg, Head of Operations at BEWI Circular.

Encourage more collection and recycling

BEWI has made significant investments in its circular capabilities. In addition to the new facility in Norrköping, the group has recycling facilities in Portugal and the Czech Republic with a combined annual recycling capacity of 35 000 tonnes. Last year, BEWI collected 27 000 tonnes of used EPS for recycling – more than any other insulation company. The company is aiming higher and has a stated ambition to continue to increase its collection and use of recycled material in its product offerings.