Leftover telgopor: from waste to treasure with these ingenious reuse ideas
Telgopor, also known as expanded polystyrene or EPS, is a widely used material in product packaging due to its lightness and ability to protect objects from shocks and damage during transport.
However, once it served its purpose, it often becomes a problematic waste due to its low biodegradability and volume, taking up landfill space and generating negative environmental impacts. Fortunately, there are ingenious and environmentally friendly alternatives to reuse leftover telgopor, turning it from waste to a real treasure.
There are many ways to recycle it, but in this article, we’ll explore two ways to reuse it by dissolving it into a thick paste and a clear varnish, offering new and creative opportunities to reduce our environmental impact.
What to do with the leftover telgopor?
Pay attention to the following two ways to transform telgopor into something useful:
Thick telgopor paste:
The dissolution of polystyrene in gasoline makes it possible to obtain a dense and malleable paste similar to paint, which can be used for various craft and modeling projects. Here are the steps to carry out this process:
- Gather the leftover telgopor: Collect the remnants of telgopor that you want to reuse. They can be packaging scraps, food trays, disposable cups, among others.
- Safety Precautions: It is important to carry out this process in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources or open flames. Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid.
- Crush the telgopor: To facilitate dissolution, crush the telgopor into small pieces or grates using a blade or grater.
- Dissolution in gasoline: Place the telgopor pieces in a sturdy container and pour enough gasoline to cover them completely. Allow the polystyrene to dissolve in the gasoline for several minutes, stirring occasionally to speed up the process.
- Obtaining the paste: Once the polystyrene has completely dissolved, you will get a thick, malleable paste. It can be molded or used to fill gaps and cracks, in various craft projects.
Transparent telgopor varnish:
In addition to the thick paste, polystyrene can also be dissolved in acetone and universal polyurethane thinner. You can get a transparent varnish, which can be used to protect and finish different surfaces. Here are the steps to create this varnish:
- Gather the leftover telgopor: As in the previous case, make sure to collect the remnants of telgopor that you want to reuse.
- Crush the telgopor: Crush the telgopor into small pieces or grates, similar to the previous process.
- Safety Precautions: It is important to carry out this process in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources or open flames.
- Dissolution in acetone and universal diluent: Place the telgopor pieces in a heavy-duty container and pour acetone and universal polyurethane thinner in a ratio of 2 to 1. Allow the polystyrene to dissolve in the mixture for several minutes, stirring occasionally to speed up the process.
- Obtaining the varnish: Once the polystyrene has completely dissolved, you will get a clear varnish. It can be applied on different surfaces to protect them and give them a shiny and resistant finish.
By reusing telgopor, we not only reduce the environmental impact associated with its disposal. We also open up a world of creative possibilities, to use these new materials in various crafts and projects.
It is important to always carry out these reuse practices in a safe and appropriate environment. Taking the necessary precautions, to avoid any risk associated with the materials and liquids used. Dare to give telgopor a second life and discover the beauty and functionality you can create from this versatile waste material!