Explore the economic impact of foam in Hawaii.
Foam powers Hawaii – Oahu’s H-POWER
(Honolulu Program of Waste Energy Recovery) converts garbage into electricity for
roughly 50,000 Hawaii households.
A ban on foam would mean a serious impact on Hawaii’s small business owners and organizations that would be forced to trade in their valuable and effective foam products for costly alternatives.
Foam Across Industries
Education
A typical foam tray costs significantly less than a compostable tray – saving some school districts over a million dollars per year in material cost.
HealthcareMost hospitals use polystyrene foam products to minimize exposure to bacteria and other foodborne pathogens.
ManufacturingThe PS foam manufacturing industry is dedicated to keeping costs low, increasing efficiency and excellence, and delivering solutions for economic growth.
FoodserviceMany restaurants and food trucks rely on the convenience, insulation properties, and high level of sanitation afforded by foam food packaging in providing healthy food to their customers.
Small BusinessMany restaurants that use foam are considered small businesses. From an economic perspective, foam is often the most cost effective choice for small business owners.
ShippingBecause of its lightweight structure, polystyrene foam is a preferred protective packaging for use in shipping valuable items.
Latest News
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July 10, 2017
Revised Foam Ban Returning to Hawaii County Council
There’s trouble in paradise. One Hawaii County Council member is reintroducing a bill that would hurt small business by banning polystyrene foam—a popular foodservice material¬.
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June 26, 2017
Polystyrene Recycling: What You Need to Know
As some states, cities, and communities debate expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam bans, misconceptions and false information inevitably arise. Foam opponents often argue that foam is
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March 22, 2017
Foam Ban Goes Back To The Drawing Board in Hawaii County
The Hawaii County Council agreed to delay their proposed foam ban yet again. Bill 13, which would prohibit vendors and businesses from dispensing food in
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March 1, 2017
Hawaii Lawmakers Move to Ban the Use of Polystyrene Foam Containers
Hawaii state lawmakers are looking to advance a ban on the use of polystyrene foam containers from eateries starting in January 2020. Currently the proposed
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February 22, 2017
Misinformation Leads to Potential Ban in Hawaii
The spread of misinformation about foam has caused a firestorm on the island of Honolulu and has influenced lawmakers in Hawaii to talk about a
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