POLYSTYRENE- ▸ Packaging: Rigid containers, trays, and disposable foodservice items.
- ▸ Appliances and electronics: HIPS housings and components.
- ▸ Foam (EPS): Expandable polystyrene for protective packaging and insulation board.
- ▸ Consumer goods: Molded housewares and disposables.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Polystyrene (PS, CAS 9003-53-6) is a thermoplastic polymer of styrene supplied in primary forms. General-purpose (GPPS) and high-impact (HIPS) grades are used in packaging, disposable foodservice items, and appliance and electronics housings. Expandable grades (EPS) are foamed for protective packaging and insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is polystyrene used for?
Polystyrene (PS, CAS 9003-53-6) is a thermoplastic used in rigid packaging, trays, and disposable foodservice items, in HIPS housings for appliances and electronics, and as expandable grades (EPS) foamed for protective packaging and insulation board. It is also molded into housewares and consumer disposables.
Is polystyrene the same as Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a brand of extruded polystyrene foam; in common use the term is applied broadly to polystyrene foam products, but the resin itself is polystyrene (PS). Expandable polystyrene (EPS) is the foamable grade used for protective packaging and insulation.
Is polystyrene a glass or plastic?
Polystyrene is a plastic, specifically a thermoplastic polymer of styrene. General-purpose grade (GPPS) is transparent and rigid, which can give a glass-like appearance, but it is a plastic resin supplied in primary forms under HS 3903.19.
What grades of polystyrene are available?
Polystyrene is commonly supplied as general-purpose (GPPS), high-impact (HIPS), and expandable (EPS) grades, each suited to different applications. Specify your target grade and end-use and request the CoA and SDS to confirm the resin meets your processing requirements.
How is bulk polystyrene resin packaged and quoted?
PS resin in primary forms is typically supplied in bags, boxes, supersacks, or bulk per grade. Submit a bulk RFQ with grade and quantity for current pricing, CoA, and SDS; HS classification is 3903.19.