In the spirit of sustainable construction and the circular economy, the BEWI Group has inaugurated Norway’s very first plant specialized in recycling expanded polystyrene (EPS). The facility, opened in Fredrikstad in 2026, is capable of processing up to 3,500 tons of waste annually, directly supporting the increase of recycled content in the production of insulation materials. This investment represents not only a technological breakthrough but also a strategic response to evolving market and regulatory demands.
BEWI, a leading European provider of packaging, components, and insulation solutions, has taken a strategically vital step toward modernizing Norway’s waste management. The new recycling plant is co-located at the company’s existing insulation production site in Fredrikstad, allowing recovered materials to be integrated immediately and efficiently into the manufacturing of new products.
Capacity and Regional Impact: 3,500 Tons Annually
The facility’s technological setup enables the large-scale processing of EPS waste derived from regional construction and packaging sources. According to the latest operational data:
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Annual Capacity: At full operation, the plant can recycle 3,500 tons of EPS per year.
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Local Integration: Recovered material is mechanically granulated and then used directly as a raw material in the Fredrikstad factory.
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Product Range: The recycled polystyrene is used to create eco-friendly products, such as GreenLine EPS and Terra XPS insulation boards.
Jens Christian Hernes, Managing Director of BEWI’s insulation business in Norway, emphasized at the opening: “We are proud to open this facility. In-house recycling allows us to meet the growing demand from the market and regulations for products with recycled content.”
Technology and Collaboration: The Secret of the “Closed Loop”
Recycling EPS (commonly known as Styrofoam) previously posed a significant logistical challenge, as 98% of the material’s volume is air. BEWI’s Fredrikstad model relies on decentralized, on-site processing, minimizing transportation costs and the associated carbon emissions.
The realization of the project is the result of broad cooperation:
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Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund (Handelens Miljøfond): Provided financial support for the investment.
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Sintef Community: Provided the scientific and research background for the development.
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Local Partners: Stakeholders in the logistics and collection chain ensure a steady supply of raw materials.
The core technology involves grinding and densifying selected waste, during which the material regains its polymer structure, making it suitable for new extrusion processes without losing its insulating properties.
European Context: BEWI’s Circular Model
The opening of the Norwegian plant is part of BEWI’s broader European strategy. The group aims to lead the industry in EPS collection and the increase of recycled content.
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2025 Performance: In 2025, the BEWI Group collected more than 38,000 tons of EPS waste across Europe, a standout performance in the sector.
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International Network: In addition to Norway, the company operates similar recycling centers in Sweden, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and holds a minority stake in a facility in Poland.
The Fredrikstad investment proves that mechanical recycling is a sustainable and economically viable solution on an industrial scale. The technology not only reduces the burden on landfills but also significantly lowers the demand for virgin raw materials (petrochemicals) in the construction industry.
Official Sources and References:
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Original Press Release (BEWI): BEWI opens Norway’s first EPS recycling facility
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Professional Background: BEWI Circular – Sustainability Strategy 2026
