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.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU): Not determined from public registry
- EC number: 500-008-9
TSCA Inventory flag XU: a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule (40 CFR 711) (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
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.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Polystyrene (PS)?
Polystyrene (PS) (CAS 9003-53-6) is listed as Active on the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory; its REACH registration status is not determined from the public ECHA registry.