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Solutions for marine pollution control, coastal and shoreline protection to effectively address environmental concerns
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Solutions for the protection of critical infrastructure and other high-security areas
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When it comes to marine construction, dredging and environmental protection, silt curtains — also known as turbidity curtains — play an important role in containing sediment and minimizing the impact of works on surrounding water quality. But what often goes unnoticed is how the choice of flotation material can affect both project outcomes and environmental sustainability.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has long been the industry standard for silt curtain flotation because of its affordability, lightweight nature and reliable buoyancy. However, the performance and environmental profile of EPS depend heavily on its density.
Based on over a decade of experience, we have observed that low-density EPS (in our view below 28 kg/m³) is more susceptible to damage from compression, crumbling and UV degradation. Over time, this can cause the material to fragment, especially if float pockets are damaged, making recovery and recycling difficult. These small foam pieces can disperse widely in marine environments, where they are hard to collect and limit the curtain’s reusability.
Since flotation components make up over 70% of a typical silt curtain’s volume, using low-density EPS often results in material that is damaged beyond repair by the end of a project, leading to disposal as construction waste and increased costs.
The widespread use of low-density EPS is primarily the result of cost-cutting in the industry. However, it has had detrimental environmental effects, contributing to marine pollution and undermining the sustainability of silt curtain applications.
In contrast, high-density EPS (28 kg/m³ and above) is more robust and resistant to breakdown, offering greater longevity and reducing the likelihood of early disposal. This means fewer replacements, less waste, and a more sustainable solution over the lifetime of a project.
Some manufacturers use alternative flotation materials like closed-cell polyethylene (PE) foam in silt curtains. They prefer PE foam because it offers superior durability and resists crumbling and UV degradation, unlike low-density EPS. EVA foam is another alternative. While durable and used in some marine applications, it is less common in silt curtains specifically. However, both have the same volume as EPS, so present similar logistical challenges for transportation and storage. They also typically come at a higher cost.
As the industry evolves, there’s a growing focus on solutions that prioritize reusability and minimize waste. The Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green is designed specifically to address these challenges.
As the world’s first EPS-free silt curtain, it eliminates the issues associated with Polystyrene flotation entirely. Floats can be easily removed after a project, curtains stored compactly, and components reinserted for future use. This reduces waste, saves on long-term costs, and allows for more efficient storage and logistics. With also up to 80% fewer raw materials and a fully recyclable design, this curtain significantly lowers its carbon footprint.
For a deeper dive into the features and benefits of the Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green, check out our detailed blogpost here.
Choosing the right silt curtain flotation material is more than just a technical decision, it’s a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our coastlines and waterways. Get in touch to know more!
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