en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Brazilian Polystyrene Foam Institute (Inbrapex) will hold the first EPS National Conference (Eneps 2026) on June 23, aiming to strengthen the market, promote sustainable development, and expand the representation of companies in the polystyrene foam production chain (commonly known by the trademark "isopor"). This non-profit organization, with founding members including CPE Plásticos, Fibraform, Grupo Copobrás, Grupo Isorecort, Meiwa Embalagens, and Santa Luzia, aims to represent the entire EPS production chain in Brazil and establish communication channels with the government and society.

Established as a liaison network between companies and industry professionals, the institute is dedicated to strengthening the institutional positioning of polystyrene foam in Brazil, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and responsible use. Areas of work include initiatives to enhance EPS recyclability and the development of solutions that meet the industry's environmental and production needs. The initiative plans to unite approximately 50 EPS-related companies in Brazil, consolidating a unified technical voice for the industry. Under the leadership of Ivam Michaltchuk, who has over 20 years of experience in environmental education, the institute aims to change public perception of polystyrene foam, positioning it as strategic for a low-carbon economy. The material is composed of less than 5% raw material and 95% air, is chemically inert, odorless, and offers high performance in thermal and acoustic insulation.

In the short term, the entity prioritizes reverse logistics and data generation. At the first Eneps 2026 conference, Inbrapex will present a technical report based on a study by Unicamp's Cetea (2018), which outlines national and international regulations applicable to the material. The event will also showcase successful cases of reverse logistics and circularity for the material in Brazil. Additionally, direct collaboration with recycling cooperatives is another key area, aligning with the National Solid Waste Policy. Proper recycling of EPS transforms waste into income for waste pickers, reducing the burden on landfills. Member companies Meiwa and Santa Luzia provide compactors to reduce material volume and lower logistics costs. These machines are offered through loan agreements, operate via friction with low processing costs, while generating work and income for cooperatives.

In the medium term, the institute is preparing to launch the INBRAEDUCA project in August, initially implemented in schools in Curitiba and Ponta Grossa (Paraná state), in partnership with the private school union Sinepe-PR. The program engages elementary school students in circular economy topics, aiming to cultivate habits of proper waste sorting. The industry is also showing initiative in the regulatory field, with cities such as Ponta Grossa and Foz do Iguaçu having passed laws prohibiting the improper disposal of EPS, creating a favorable environment for reverse logistics. Polystyrene foam is used in construction, cold chains, technical packaging, and industrial solutions, and its market share in Brazil is expanding due to its thermal efficiency, light weight, and versatility.

The six companies that have joined Inbrapex reaffirm their commitment to sustainable innovation. Úrsula Huang, Sustainability Director at Meiwa Embalagens, stated that the institute is a key strategic partner for promoting the circular economy of EPS in Brazil. Renan Nieuhes Nunes, Work Safety and Environment Manager at Grupo Copobrás, noted that the launch of the institute is an important milestone for strengthening the industry chain. Rodrigo Rezende, Director of Grupo Isorecort, believes that uniting the industry chain is the path to sustainable innovation. The Eneps 2026 conference will be held on June 23 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Jupiter Auditorium, 17th floor, 807 Paulista Avenue, São Paulo city. The Brazilian Polystyrene Foam Institute (Inbrapex) is headquartered on the 5th floor, Block B, 2041 Juscelino Kubitscheck Avenue, JK Complex, Olympic Village, São Paulo city. More information is available at www.inbrapex.org.br.

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