PS (Polystyrene) is a lightweight, rigid, and transparent thermoplastic made from the monomer styrene. It is widely used for packaging, insulation, and molded products. It exists in different forms such as GPPS (General Purpose PS), HIPS (High Impact PS), and EPS (Expanded PS).
| Type | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| GPPS | Transparent, brittle, low impact | Cutlery, CD cases, containers |
| HIPS | Opaque, toughened with rubber | Appliances, toys, electronics |
| EPS | Lightweight, foam form | Insulation, packaging, cushioning |
| XPS | Extruded, dense foam | Building insulation panels |
| FR-PS | Flame-retardant PS grades | Electrical housings, safety parts |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density (GPPS) | 1.04 – 1.06 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 35 – 55 MPa |
| Melting Point | ~240°C (softens at 100–120°C) |
| Transparency | High (in GPPS) |
| Insulation Properties | Excellent thermal insulation |
| Chemical Resistance | Moderate (to acids and bases) |
Packaging
Disposable containers, food trays, cups, clamshell boxes
Consumer Products
Cutlery, toys, stationery items, cosmetic containers
Electrical & Electronics
Housings for devices, switchboards, TV panels
Construction
Insulation sheets (EPS, XPS), wall panels, protective foam
Medical
Test tubes, Petri dishes (non-autoclavable use)
Injection Molding
For GPPS and HIPS molded parts
Thermoforming
Used for disposable food packaging
Extrusion
For producing sheets, films, and foams
Foaming
EPS and XPS are made via steam expansion or extrusion
PS is recyclable but not biodegradable
EPS foam can be densified and reused
Common recycling code: ♶ (Plastic #6)
Recycled PS is used in:
Office supplies
Plastic lumber
Low-grade packaging
Collection and separation challenges due to foam bulk
India:
Supreme Petrochem
BASF India
LG Polymers
Styrolution India
Global:
Trinseo
INEOS Styrolution
TotalEnergies
SABIC
Chi Mei Corporation
Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corp.
Global Market Size: Over USD 25 Billion (2024)
Expected CAGR: ~4% through 2030
Top Applications: Food packaging, insulation, electronics
Growth Regions: Asia-Pacific, North America, Middle East
Challenges:
Environmental scrutiny on EPS
Growing preference for biodegradable alternatives
Source virgin and recycled PS granules, regrind, or scrap
Post buy and sell listings for GPPS, HIPS, EPS
Access verified PS resin suppliers, exporters, manufacturers
Ideal platform for traders, processors, and recyclers
Polystyrene (PS) remains one of the most widely used plastics due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of processing. Whether in its clear, tough, or foam form, it supports diverse industries from packaging to electronics. With active recycling efforts and sustainable innovation, PS continues to evolve in today’s plastic landscape.
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