Short answer: No – we do not recommend using recycled beads for bean bag filling.
While recycled beads (sometimes marketed as eco-beans or eco-beads) may seem like a sustainable or budget-friendly option, they are not designed for use in bean bags and generally lead to a poor seating experience.
Why Recycled Beads Aren’t Ideal:
Recycled beads are usually made from ground-up packaging materials like packing peanuts or foam blocks
They are irregularly shaped, soft, and lack the resilience and support of virgin EPS beads
They don’t provide consistent body support, making your bean bag feel lumpy, flat, or uneven
Over time, they compress rapidly and may even degrade, leading to a shorter lifespan for your bean bag
For the Best Experience:
We always recommend using high-quality virgin polystyrene beads, which:
Are perfectly round and uniform in size
Provide superior comfort and ergonomic support
Offer better durability, bounce, and resistance to compression
Are the only type of fill suitable for outdoor or pool bean bags
In Summary
Recycled beads are not recommended for bean bag filling. They may seem eco-friendly, but they’re soft, inconsistent, and uncomfortable. For the best results, always use virgin EPS beads designed specifically for bean bags.
Need help finding the right fill or calculating how much you need? Contact our team – we’re happy to help!