Uses for Polystyrene Packaging
Polystyrene packaging is used in several industries. It is a low-cost material that can be made opaque or clear and can be molded into complicated forms that allow design elements to be emphasized. With the addition of polybutadiene to generic polystyrene, a high-impact polystyrene is created that is strong and impact resistant. The material is also considered environmentally friendly; most of the packaging made with it can be recycled and uses less material than if it were created with another plastic. Does this Spark an idea?
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Consumables
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The majority of polystyrene packaging products are used for the storage and distribution of food products, both solid and liquid. This is a called a general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and is brittle. The ability to create food-grade containers that are inexpensive, disposable, lightweight and small continues to make polystyrene a primary choice for food storage containers, vending products, food display packaging and bottles.
Appliances
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Home appliances, such as blenders and microwaves, use two different kinds of polystyrene packaging. The first is the product packaging that the appliance comes in; the second is the housing that surrounds the appliance motors and working pieces. The type of polystyrene used with appliances is called high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and is less prone to shattering.
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Electronics
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Electronic housing and parts are also commonly packaged in a high-impact polystyrene. HIPS can be formed in thin casings that allow design elements to be included in the packaging without sacrificing the strength of the case.
Medical
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Polystyrene is also used for medical packaging in both the general and high-impact forms. It can be sterilized easily and is an economic choice for disposable packaging. Also, its flexibility permits a greater range of sizes and shapes than other plastics.
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