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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:

as Plastic FOAM:

  • Glossy
  • Brittle
  • Transparent: clear or coloured
  • Ultra lightweight
  • Energy absorbing
  • Opaque:
  • often white

PS is used for

in SOLID form:

as Plastic FOAM:

  • Hot & Cold Food Packaging 

  • Protective Packaging for Electronics etc

  • Medical applications 

  • CD covers

  • Cutlery 

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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