Knauf Circular® is the circular economy programme of the Knauf Group. It keeps expanded polystyrene (EPS) circulating by collecting and recycling it and then grinding it down and using it in new products. EPS is made from 98% air and 2% refinery by-product naphtha or bio-naphtha which is made from organic or forestry waste. It is used primarily for insulation and packaging, and can be recycled over and over again.

The programme provides an on-site take-back service for clean or rinsed EPS waste generated by construction companies, industrial firms, retailers, wholesalers and recycling centres, ensuring that packaging and insulation waste is diverted from landfill and incineration. EPS from deconstruction projects is not yet accepted, but will be once processing plants are available.

The collected EPS is either recycled in a closed loop into new insulation products or processed through open-loop recycling into technical parts and everyday polystyrene products, keeping valuable materials in circulation for longer.

By creating an efficient collection and recycling network across France, Knauf Circular helps customers comply with circular economy regulations while reducing waste and preserving natural resources. The initiative also raises awareness of circular economy principles by promoting responsible EPS waste management, demonstrating the recyclability of EPS and sharing practical guidance, customer case studies, and industry news on sustainable construction and packaging.