the invention pertains to a method for treating foamed plastic particles 32 that are present in pourable form , as well as a device for carrying out the method . the invention is characterized by the fact that the foamed plastic particles 32 are reduced in volume in an evacuated environment and then introduced into a mold 10 , 34 , 46 , 52 , 56 , in which the foamed plastic particles 32 are subsequently restored toward their original outer shape in a non - evacuated environment .