More than any other plastic, people believe myths about polystyrene. Is it as bad or toxic as we think? TL;DR: It’s recyclable and not toxic to humans.

PS (6) is the plastic polystyrene, recycling category 6, and there is more to it than just ‘Styrofoam’. STYROFOAM® is actually a trademarked brand of expanded polystyrene packaging, and is only one use of the incredibly versatile polystyrene plastic. Expanded polystyrene is the opaque foam packaging, but there is also polystyrene homopolymer, otherwise called ‘crystal’ polystyrene. While these two types of polystyrene share a name and properties, they are very different in appearance and uses.

There are many benefits of polystyrene:

Excellent insulation properties with minimal condensation
Lightweight but strong
Water resistant
Inert
Absorbs shock
Resists bacteria, fungus, and microorganism growth
Cheaper than other packaging materials

Looking at this list, it seems obvious why it makes such a great packing material; it protects products against shock, it’s light but strong, it keeps the product at a stable temperature, and it’s cheap to create.

Uses of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

There are many uses of expanded ‘foam’ type polystyrene, because of its superior cushioning and insulating properties.

Hot drink cups
Takeaway containers
Packaging such as fruit trays and chilly bins
Packaging for electronics
Insulated panel systems for buildings
Insulation in appliances such as dishwashers and fridges
Floatation devices like pontoons
Can be used as fill in roadway construction
Car parts such as trims and instrument panels
Crash helmets
Car seats for infants
Surfboards

Due to its properties, polystyrene is ideal for food packaging because it:

Is safe for food contact
Helps to reduce food-borne illnesses
Keeps hot foods hot, and cold foods cold
Does not affect flavour of the food
Is up to five times cheaper than reusable or paper-based counterparts

Crystal Polystyrene

The crystal form of polystyrene has the same insulating and non-reactive properties as the foam, but it is clear, brittle, and a hard plastic. It looks like glass, and therefore has a number of uses in industries where being able to see a product is an advantage. The uses for crystal polystyrene include:

Cosmetic pots
CD cases
Toys (think of any hard, clear toy)
A range of medical equipment such as test tubes
Disposable pens
Appliances, like the outside of a hairdryer
Gardening pots

It’s particularly good for the hemp and cosmetic industries, for a number of reasons.

It looks like glass, giving it an upmarket appearance without the risk of shattering like glass does
The clear glass allows users to see the actual colour of the product
It allows users to see at a glance how much product they have left
When the cap and jar are both polystyrene, it creates an airtight seal and prevents spills, making it ideal for liquids and travel
It retains freshness of the product, keeping products like essential oils, balms, serums, and waxes fresh for longer
Polystyrene is inert, so does not risk contaminating the product

Can Polystyrene Be Recycled in NZ?

The big problem with expanded polystyrene is that it’s fragile, breaking down easily into tiny pieces which go into the environment and particularly, into waterways.

It also takes up a lot of space in landfills. Luckily, due to that fragile nature of polystyrene, it is easy to grind down and reuse.

Currently, polystyrene is not picked up by local waste kerb side recycling systems in NZ. However, it can be recycled into house insulation. Consumers can drop off their household waste at a number of sites around the country. The recycler can also arrange pickup from commercial sites such as whiteware retailers.

The hard crystal polystyrene cannot be recycled in NZ.

Polystyrene Hemp, CBD, and Cosmetic Packaging

At IFP Group, we have a range of elegant packaging options made from polystyrene. Whether it’s a lip balm or sample container that easily fits in a pocket or handbag, or a larger pot for a balm or cream, we can help.

Contact us to find out more about our range of cosmetic packaging options. We have a full range of cosmetic, food, CBD, and hemp packaging options, and can help to advise you on what will be best for your product longevity and safety.