(August 2026) ELKHART, IN – EFP (Engineered Foam Packaging) welcomes the U.S. Plastics Pact’s decision to remove Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Transport Packaging from its Problematic & Unnecessary Materials List, recognizing this important development as a meaningful step forward for the EPS transport packaging industry and the circular economy.
The U.S. Plastics Pact (USPP) announced that, following an assessment of available data and supporting information, its Problematic & Unnecessary Materials workstream determined that EPS Transport Packaging has achieved a recycling rate of approximately 30% or higher. This meets the threshold established under Criterion One of the USPP’s Decision Tree for evaluating materials included on the list.
“This is an important and encouraging development for our industry,” said Joe Grzyb, Director of Sustainability. “The decision recognizes the measurable progress that has been made to improve the recovery and recycling of EPS transport packaging. It demonstrates that focused, collaborative efforts across the value chain can produce meaningful results.”
The USPP emphasized that the decision applies specifically to EPS Transport Packaging and does not represent a broader removal of EPS or polystyrene from the Problematic & Unnecessary Materials List. The organization also noted that its broader review remains underway and that additional recommendations may follow as those evaluations are completed.
For EFP and the broader EPS transport packaging industry, the announcement underscores the importance of continued investment and collaboration in areas including:
EPS is one of the most effective transport packaging materials because it delivers an outstanding combination of protection, thermal performance, lightweight construction, and cost efficiency. Its strength and shock absorption protect products during transportation, while its excellent insulation helps maintain temperature-sensitive products. EPS is also moisture-resistant, customizable, and efficient to manufacture and transport making it a reliable, economical solution for a wide range of applications.
EFP believes the USPP’s decision illustrates the value of evaluating packaging materials based on current, measurable performance and recognizing improvements as systems, markets and recycling infrastructure evolve.
The USPP’s update represents an encouraging milestone for the industry and reinforces the importance of continued innovation, collaboration and investment to further improve recycling outcomes.
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About EFP, LLC
Founded in 1954, EFP is a vertically integrated manufacturer specializing in engineered protective packaging, cold chain solutions, and packaging supply chain services. Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, EFP operates seven strategically positioned manufacturing and distribution facilities across the U.S.—including Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arizona—enabling optimized service coverage from the Canadian border to the Gulf Coast and across the Western U.S. EFP is owned by J.B. Poindexter & Co., a privately held, diversified manufacturing company with subsidiaries operating throughout North America. EFP is committed to innovating current products, creating sustainable solutions, and providing services that support our corporate purpose of Protecting What Matters. For more information, visit www.efppackaging.com.
JB Poindexter & Company
JB Poindexter & Company is a business enterprise that provides best-in-class commercial automotive and manufacturing goods and services. The company applies innovative operational and financial disciplines to the manufacturing of truck and van bodies, pick-up truck covers and accessories, industrial vehicle storage and shelving, funeral coaches, limousines, specialty industrial parts and protective packaging. The industry-leading business units include Morgan Truck Group, Morgan Olson, Reading Truck, EFP, LLC, Masterack, Demers Braun Crestline, and Medix. For more information, visit www.JBPoindexter.com.
Media Contact:
Samantha Raush
Marketing Manager, EFP, LLC
(574) 214-6474
