Build Your Home FROM Foam

With a rapidly growing market, the uses for recycled polystyrene continue to grow. Companies are using it for things like picture frames, surfboards and gardening supplies. Now, one company in Portland, Oregon is building homes FROM foam.

BluBloc uses recycled polystyrene to create building materials that can be utilized in a variety of applications. Using recycled polystyrene, BluBloc is an insulated concrete forms made up from a mix of 85% recycled foam and 15% Portland concrete. Architects and families in Portland have already begun utilizing BluBloc in their construction projects. The city’s Bureau of Development Services has already confirmed that a BluBloc project would meet city building code.

“They’re all aware of our block,” CEO Michael Miner said. “You don’t have any problems with the city of Portland in getting our block approved.” - DJC Oregon

These blocks are lighter and more efficient than traditional concrete blocks making it easier for construction employees to work with them. The average home constructed using BluBloc uses 2500 pounds of recycled polystyrene and use less energy than traditional wood frame houses.

The commitment to recycled polystyrene is huge for companies like BluBloc. The continued innovation in the industry is driving more growth as more and more companies purchase recycled polystyrene and use less virgin material. This commitment to recycling also helps cities and business cut down on landfill costs and saves consumers money in product costs.

The concern for several of these businesses that utilize recycled polystyrene foam is supply. As the demand increases, more and more communities around the country are incentivized to recycle foam. If you want your community to join the foam recycling revolution, we have the materials that can help!  We offer a map of cities and locations already accepting foam, a list of the equipment that you need to recycle foam and a buyer list for your recycled foam.

Bajandas, Inka. “From trash to building blocks" DJC Oregon. 18 June, 2015. Web.  20 July, 2015.