Visy trials its new recyclable fibre-based thermal insulation

Visy has announced a new product called Visycell — currently being trialled with food delivery businesses — to replace problematic expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Visycell is a fibre-based thermal insulation liner, which the company says provides a good alternative to EPS because of its strong thermal and cushioning qualities. It also has the added benefit of being fully recyclable through kerbside recycling bins.

Made in Melbourne’s west from cardboard waste offcuts, it has been specifically designed for Australia’s hot climate to keep temperature-sensitive food and beverages safe and fresh.

“We’re working hard to help customers ditch problematic polystyrene and we’re pleased to be trialling Visycell as a new alternative,” said Rolland Zhang, New Business Projects Manager at Visy.

“We think food and beverage customers will love Visycell — it will keep their product safe and fresh during transportation, is easily recycled and is locally made.

“We know it’s not just food and beverage companies wanting to ditch polystyrene, which is why Visycell has the potential to also be used to transport fragile goods and in building construction.”

The insulation has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards. It can also be flat-packed, saving businesses on transportation costs.

Visycell has Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) certification for recyclability and can carry the Australasian Recycling Logo (ARL).

According to the APCO, less than 20% of EPS in Australia is recycled. Visycell has the potential to replace the equivalent of over 170 Olympic swimming pools of EPS each year, significantly reducing the amount of material being sent to landfill or polluting our environment.