Yes – EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) bean bag filling is considered safe for everyday use and has a relatively low environmental impact when handled properly.
✅ Is It Safe?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the polystyrene beads used in bean bags are 100% safe for consumers when used as intended.
EPS beads are non-toxic and inert once manufactured
Any potential carcinogens used in the early stages of production are no longer present in the finished product
The main risk is accidental inhalation or ingestion by small children, which is why child-safety zippers are mandatory on all bean bags sold in Australia and the U.S.
When safely contained within a quality bean bag and used as directed, EPS is completely safe for people, pets, and indoor environments.
🌱 Is It Environmentally Friendly?
EPS is made from 98% air and only 2% plastic, which means:
It uses minimal raw materials during production
It does not contain ozone-depleting substances like CFCs or HCFCs
It produces no harmful emissions to people, animals, or the environment during manufacturing
While EPS is not biodegradable, it is recyclable through specialised recycling centres and can be repurposed into other products, such as insulation, picture frames, and more.
In Summary
Yes – EPS bean bag filling is safe for use and has a low-impact manufacturing process. When used responsibly and kept out of landfills through reuse or recycling, it’s a practical and safe filling option.
Want to explore eco-friendly alternatives or learn how to recycle EPS? Contact our team – we’re happy to help!