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WHICH PLASTIC IS THAT?

Polystyrene

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Need to know about a different plastic?

Click on the IRC code to see the lesson!

Lesson 6: PS

A cardboard box filled with green styrofoam packaging 'peanuts'

PS

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Polystyrene
colorful CD cases made from rigid Polystyrene
Polystyrene foam cups
PS Plastic Cutlery_Red.lite_edited.png
PS Plastic Cutlery_Red.lite_edited.png
PS Plastic Cutlery_Red.lite_edited.png

The International Resin Code for PS is

PS is among the most diverse plastic materials. In its unmodified form (crystal polystyrene), it is clear and rigid, with a glassy, sparkling appearance. Crystal PS is often used to make CD cases, and glossy, brittle disposable cutlery.

In its extruded form, PS foam is found in a range of products from coffee cups to home insulation to protective packaging peanuts.

PS plastic is 

in SOLID form:

  • Glossy
  • Brittle
  • Transparent: clear or coloured

as Plastic FOAM:

  • Ultra lightweight
  • Energy absorbing
  • Opaque:
  • often white

PS is used for

  • Medical applications (solid)

  • CD covers (solid)

  • Food Packaging (foam)

  • Protective packaging (foam)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

CD cases like these

colorful CD cases made from rigid Polystyrene

Disposable cutlery like this...

(the brittle kind, not the bendy ones)

PS Plastic Cutlery_Red.lite_edited.png
PS Plastic Cutlery_Red.lite_edited.png
PS Plastic Cutlery_Red.lite_edited.png

Polystyrene FOAM

Rigid packaging & packaging peanuts

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A cardboard box filled with green styrofoam packaging 'peanuts'

Food & Drink packaging

Polystyrene foam cups
Disposable Lunch Box Styrofoam Food Plate Take Away Food Container Production Line - China
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Still have questions about plastic types, or what to collect?

Let us know - we can help!

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