Polystyrene is used as thermal or acoustic insulation, packaging (shockproof) or low density filling.

Polystyrene is a very widespread plastic thanks to its many uses. Hard, transparent and brittle, it is easy to recognize thanks to the white marks that appear when it is about to break, but also thanks to the black smoke and the smell it emits during combustion. There are 3 types of polystyrene:

The so-called “crystal” polystyrene for its transparency. It is hard and brittle.
The so-called “impact” polystyrene (also called HIPS for high impact polystyrene) that is more resistant than the general purpose polystyrene.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), the best know by the general public and which is easily recognizable because of its appearance that is similar to compact white foam. It is found in packaging for electronic devices, but also in insulation.

Uses: school materials (squares, rulers…), CD boxes, insulating partition (walls for cold rooms, roofing…), food (food trays, yoghurt pots, disposable tableware), nautical (boards, floating beacon…)