When you buy filler, should you use virgin beans or eco-recycled beans? Discover the advantages and disadvantages of recycled bean bag filling. The most commonly used bean bag filler is polystyrene or Styrofoam beads, which are lightweight, durable, and provide excellent support. However, there are a variety of eco-friendly and recycled fillings available for beanbags, including alternative materials that offer sustainable and biodegradable options.
To get the most from your bean bag furniture, you will periodically need to replace the filling. You may also need to refill beanbags from time to time, and there are alternative fillings suitable for both indoors and outdoors. After several years, even the highest-quality product will begin to lose its fullness and bounciness. The right bean bag filling makes a huge difference. In an attempt to save money or be environmentally sound, some people buy recycled bean bag filling for their bean bags. Alternatively, you can purchase alternative fillings that are suitable for different environments, ensuring your beanbags remain comfortable and eco-friendly. However, they soon discover that this material has several drawbacks and does not compare to the quality of virgin beads.
Recycled bean bag Filling basics
While bean bags may be filled with some materials that serve as beans, most of them are stuffed with polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam. Polystyrene was found to be the best replacement for actual dried beans because it is soft yet resilient, economical, lightweight, comfortable and water-resistant. The manufacturing process of polystyrene and other recycled materials used for beanbag fillings often involves recycling plastic waste and moulding it into small beads or shapes suitable for filling. Dried beans were the original filling used for bean bags, but they have largely been replaced due to the superior qualities of polystyrene. However, the quality of this polystyrene filling can vary greatly depending on how it was manufactured, how it was cut and whether it has been previously used. For example, other fillings such as foam, natural latex, or mixed materials are also popular, and recycled materials from old furniture or cushion stuffing can be repurposed for creating eco-friendly beanbag fillers. There are also non-toxic and plastic-free options made from plants, and some brands specialise in creating sustainable, eco-friendly beanbag fillings. When considering safety, it is important to avoid harmful chemicals in the filling to protect allergy sufferers and the environment. People often ask - is polystyrene safe?
Virgin bean bag filling
Virgin polystyrene beads are small, perfectly round and about the size of a pill, and they are specifically made to serve as bean bag filling. These beads are produced to have a uniform size and shape. So when they shift with the movement and the weight of a person, they provide equal resistance and support in all directions. Also, the beads are denser than other polystyrene products. This density gives them a longer usable lifespan before they become flattened and lose cushioning. Most bean bag manufacturers recommend Virgin beads for several reasons.
Most importantly, they provide customers with the highest degree of satisfaction. Very few companies that make bean bags fill them with anything but quality virgin beads. If they did otherwise, their customers would be disappointed in their products’ discomfort and how quickly they lose their original form. Virgin pellets are very resilient, and this can be evidenced firsthand by just squeezing one between your thumb and forefinger. You will notice that the bead is firm yet soft, and it quickly returns to its original shape. Virgin beads are also known for retaining their bounce over time, helping your bean bag maintain comfort and support. It takes extreme pressure or high pressure maintained for long periods before the bead permanently loses its form and resiliency.
Virgin beads are typically produced and shipped in large quantities and are often vacuum-packed for convenient delivery. This packaging allows the beads to expand to their full size within 24–48 hours after opening. Many suppliers offer nationwide delivery, making it easy to receive your filling anywhere in Australia. Some companies even provide free delivery or cost-saving options, especially if you choose to reuse your filling.
When you first open a new bag of virgin beads, you may notice a slight smell due to off-gassing, which is normal and will dissipate over time. A useful trick to extend the lifespan of your filling is to occasionally fluff or aerate the beads to help them maintain their bounce. Additionally, consider ways to reuse old filling for gardening, packaging, or arts and crafts, which is both eco-friendly and free.
recycled polystyrene beads
Recycled beads, sometimes referred to as eco-beads or eco-beans, are often purchased to promote environmentalism or save money. Essentially, this material is recycled polystyrene that has been cut or ground into small, irregular particles. While some of these pieces are vaguely round and pill-sized, most of them are abnormally shaped chunks that are extremely soft but hardly resilient. Many materials used for bean bag fillings can be recycled to reduce landfill waste, making eco-beads an appealing option for environmentally conscious consumers. Bean bags filled with alternative fillings such as sawdust or cedar shavings are also gaining popularity as sustainable options, offering natural and biodegradable choices for eco-friendly bean bags. However, recycled beads were never meant to be used as a bean bag filler. Most of them were once packing peanuts or packing blocks. Probably used in shipping boxes for electronic devices, computers, and other products. When used in bean bags, recycled polystyrene beads do not produce constant pressure on your body. This makes the furniture soft, lumpy and otherwise uncomfortable. Some fillings, like hay or sawdust, do not mould to the body or hold their shapes as well as others, affecting comfort and support. Also, they do not provide the same ergonomic support as virgin beads do. Creating new beanbags using a mix of recycled materials and alternative eco-friendly fillings like cedar shavings or sawdust can help improve sustainability while offering a variety of comfort and support options.
the downside of recycled bean bag filling
When you sit or lie on a bean bag chair with arms or a sofa, it should gently conform to the shape of your body. But after doing so, it should provide even resistance across all parts coming into contact with the cover. This is the whole point of bean bag furniture: comfortable support. With reused beads, you will find yourself sinking deep into the bean bag. This does not only cause discomfort but may also cause pain, stiffness, and other medical symptoms. Another downside of recycled beads is that they do not hold their shape. In some cases, this cheap filling will become entirely flattened in a month. And no one wants to sit on a hard, flat bean bag. Any money you save on this filler is lost because you have to buy it two, three or even four times more frequently than virgin beads.
Repurposed polystyrene is an inferior filling for several other reasons. It is often very noisy when sitting or adjusting your position because the irregular pieces rub against each other and shift awkwardly in the cover. Also, these beads may damage your bean bag. The pieces easily break into tiny fragments that get stuck in the zipper. When disposing of or recycling these fillings, it is important to handle and dispose of them safely to avoid contamination and ensure they are properly processed at recycling centres.
Disposing of Old Filler
When it’s time to refresh your bean bag, disposing of old bean bag filler is an important step for both your home and the environment. Instead of simply tossing used polystyrene beads or other materials into the bin, consider the eco-friendly options available to reduce waste and give these materials a second life.
Polystyrene beads, commonly used as bean bag filler, can often be recycled and transformed into new products like packaging, insulation, or even new bean bag filler. This recycling process helps keep expanded polystyrene (EPS) out of landfills and supports a more sustainable environment. In Australia, and especially in areas like the Sunshine Coast, there are companies and local councils that offer recycling services for EPS and other materials. Some even provide bulk collection, making it easy to recycle large amounts of bean bag filler.
If your bean bag was filled with other materials, such as old clothes or fabric, you have additional options. Donating gently used clothes to local charities or recycling centres allows these materials to be reused for new clothing, rags, or insulation. This not only reduces waste but also supports community initiatives and helps those in need.
For the creative at heart, repurposing old bean bag filler can be a fun and practical solution. Use leftover polystyrene beads or fabric scraps for crafting projects—think homemade toys, pillows, cushions, or even insulation for packaging. These creative crafts are a great thing for families and children, turning what would be waste into something useful and unique.
When handling old bean bag filler, be careful to avoid making a mess. Using a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth can help clean up stray beads or fabric pieces. Properly containing and transporting the materials ensures your space stays tidy and the recycling process goes smoothly.
Before disposing of any bean bag filler, check with your local council or recycling centre for specific guidelines. Many areas in Australia, including the Sunshine Coast, have dedicated facilities for recycling polystyrene and other materials. Supporting these services helps create a cleaner, greener community.
In summary, disposing of old bean bag filler doesn’t have to mean sending it to a landfill. By recycling, reusing, or repurposing materials, you can help reduce waste and promote a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Whether you choose to recycle polystyrene beads, donate old clothes, or get creative with crafts, every effort counts towards a more sustainable future.
make the smart choice
When you need to buy replacement bean bag filling, it is best to take a look at the facts and buy virgin beads that were designed specifically for bean bags, or consider the option to purchase eco-friendly or recycled fillings. They are stronger, more comfortable and, in the long run, cost you less money. However, many brands, such as The Big Beanbag Company and Bean Bags R Us, have started producing bean bag chairs with organic fillers and recycled biodegradable bean bag fillers, offering eco-friendly alternatives for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. These reputable brands provide suitable fillings for different needs, including options that are safe for children, soft toys, cushions, and bean bag chairs. If you want to refill your bean bag, there are various refill products available for purchase, allowing you to replenish or customise your bean bag with natural or sustainable fillers. Most suppliers also offer convenient delivery services across Australia, ensuring your purchase arrives wherever you are. We hope this information helps you make an informed and confident choice.
