Innovation

From Trash to Tiles: Refoam’s Upcycling Breakthrough

May 18, 2025

A woman holding a tote.
A woman holding a tote.
A woman holding a tote.

In an effort to reduce landfill dependency, our team began experimenting with ways to upcycle foam waste into durable tiles that can be used for outdoor flooring, playgrounds, and more.

After months of testing, trial, and error, we created a process that turns collected foam into compressed, textured panels with a surprisingly sleek look.

"Our goal was to prove that even the dirtiest waste can be part of a clean solution," said Refoam’s sustainability engineer, Hana Yu.

These upcycled tiles are now being used in small community gardens and will soon be featured in a local art installation. It’s innovation made possible by trash—and teamwork.