EPS, also known as Styrofoam, is a widespread packaging material but is seriously harming our health and the environment. That’s why it’s time for companies to stop using Styrofoam for packaging and switch to more sustainable options.
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is made from styrene and pentane gas.
It doesn’t break down and stays in landfills & oceans
for hundreds of years.
Health risks
- Cancer risk
Styrene is identified as a substance that can can cause cancer* by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)* and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)*. This means that being exposed to Styrofoam over a prolonged period of time could increase the risk of developing cancer. - Hormonal disruption:
Styrene can disrupt how hormones work in the body*, which might cause problems with the thyroid, changes in menstrual cycles, and a higher risk of developing cancers like breast and prostate cancer. - Neurological and liver damage:
Extended exposure to high levels of styrene has been linked to serious health problems, including liver and nerve tissue damage. This is particularly concerning for fetuses and young children.
Environmental impact
Styrofoam is very harmful to our environment. The production creates dangerous waste that damages the earth. It also does’t break down easily* and turns into tiny pieces called microplastics. These tiny pieces are hard to clean up and can end up in places like parks, fields, rivers and oceans – very dangerous for wildlife & nature.
Grown bio offers a sustainable option: mycelium packaging, which is an environmentally friendly alternative that helps protect our planet and wildlife.
“We simply borrow mycelium from the earth and at the end of its lifecycle,
it returns to nature without leaving any harmful traces behind.”
Jan Berbee, CEO
Why we need to stop using polystyrene (Styrofoam) packaging
Given the serious health risks and the harm it causes to our planet, luckily more and more countries are saying no to Styrofoam. They are banning things like single use styrofoam packaging. However, this isn’t enough. Recent studies* have shown that people all over the world are consuming and breathing in worrying amounts of microplastics, highlighting the severe health risks from global plastic pollution. So more needs to be done!
Luckily, we have a real solution to the packaging problem. We are growing a bio-based alternative to Styrofoam! By choosing our mycelium packaging, we can get rid of harmful plastics. The time for change is now—are you ready to join us?
“We need to think about how the materials we use affect our world in the long run
and work towards changes that lead to a healthier and more sustainable future.”
Christina Thurner, Marketing
*Health Risks
*EPA & (IARC)
*Hormones
*Environmental Impact
*Recent Studies
