MATERIAL GUIDE / OTHER MATERIAL ENQUIRIES

Polystyrene

A material family that needs a clear distinction between grade and physical form.

UNDERSTANDING PS

Start with the material.
Build the specification.

General-purpose polystyrene is a rigid, transparent material used in packaging and manufactured items. A polystyrene enquiry should identify the actual grade and distinguish solid parts from foamed material. Colour, source and other materials present should also be described. The characteristics of general-purpose PS should not be applied automatically to every polystyrene stream. This guide introduces the material family; technical suitability depends on the specific grade, its condition and the intended use.

Typical applications

Rigid packaging
Cosmetic packaging
Trays and boxes
Lighting diffusers

Points to consider

Specific polystyrene grade, where known
Solid or foamed material
Colour and original product
Labels, residual contents and other materials
Required appearance and mechanical performance

Applications describe general uses of this polymer family. A particular recycled grade still needs to be assessed against the intended process and end use. Material acceptance and supply availability are confirmed for each enquiry.

Further material reading

British Plastics Federation: general-purpose polystyrene ↗Plastics Recyclers Europe: material characterisation resources ↗

Back to all material guides

SUPPLIERS & BUYERS

Plastics to supply. Polymers to source.

Share your material details or purchasing specification with North Vale Polymers.