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EPS-free silt curtain
Published on 22 Jul ‘25
Small Steps, Big Difference: EPS-Free Silt Curtains
EPS-free Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green

As Plastic Free July draws to a close, it’s a great moment to reflect on the power of small, meaningful changes. This year’s theme, “Small Steps, Big Difference”, highlights the impact of simple decisions, especially when it comes to reducing plastic use in everyday operations.

At Ecocoast, one of our steps was to rethink silt curtain flotation. So, we launched the Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green – an EPS-free silt curtain, designed for performance, sustainability and cost-efficiency in sediment control applications.

What is EPS and why does it matter?

EPS, or expanded polystyrene (often called styrofoam in everyday language), is widely used in silt curtain flotation systems across major marine construction markets around the world. It’s lightweight, cost-effective and easy to work with. But there’s a downside. Low-density EPS can fragment, break apart and contribute to microplastic pollution in the very marine environments silt curtains are meant to protect. While Ecocoast traditionally uses higher density EPS, which is more durable and less prone to degradation, we knew we could go even further.

A new standard in silt curtain design

Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green is more than just EPS-free. It was designed with 3 priorities in mind that make it the ideal choice for environmentally sensitive marine projects:

🌱  Reducing plastic impact – it’s a greener choice.
The silt curtain is completely EPS-free, meaning it doesn’t use Expanded Polystyrene at all. This change delivers measurable results: A 5% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional designs. Plus, it’s not just a better product, it’s a better product lifecycle. The floats are removable, the curtain is reusable, and the entire system is recyclable at the end of its life.

🛡️  Improving environmental performance – maximum silt containment.
Of course, a greener curtain means little if it doesn’t do the job. That’s why the Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green is engineered for 100% silt containment. The key lies in its connection system, designed to eliminate any gaps between panels, so silt stays where it should. For projects near sensitive marine habitats or under strict environmental regulations, this level of containment isn’t optional, it’s essential. And this curtain delivers it.

⚡  Speeding up installation in the field – faster assembly on site.
Time is money on site. We designed the Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green for quick and efficient installation, so site teams can spend less time setting up and more time getting the job done. With Quick-Connect Panels and Rapid Assembly Float Pockets, installation time can be cut by up to 70%. That’s less downtime, fewer people needed and faster project turnover, especially valuable in remote or restricted areas where every hour counts.

But wait, what about our other silt curtains?

Every site is different, and we understand that. So, we continue to offer two silt curtain ranges that use higher density EPS. These are more robust and resistant to breakage than low-density options, limiting microplastic pollution.

That said, Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green is the go-to choice when sustainability, performance and cost are equally important. The other ranges offer durability where required, but don’t support the same circularity and carbon emission saving benefits.

Let’s take that step

This Plastic Free July, we’re inviting contractors, developers and governments to rethink sediment control. A simple change in materials can lead to a meaningful reduction in environmental footprint.

📩  Download the specs or chat with our team about your next project.

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FAQ

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) is a flotation material commonly used in traditional silt curtain designs to keep them buoyant on the water’s surface.

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) can break down into microplastics, especially in its lower-density forms, polluting marine environments. It’s also difficult to recycle and increasingly targeted by environmental regulations.

The Ecobarrier Silt Curtain Green is completely EPS-free. It uses alternative flotation technology that is recyclable, durable and designed for circularity.

Yes. We continue to offer two high-quality silt curtain ranges that use high-density EPS. The choice depends on your project needs. Our marine experts are happy to assist you in choosing the right curtain for your specific project requirements.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our turnkey solutions! Our team of marine experts is ready to assist you.