Trinseo: Price Increases for Polystyrene and Copolymers in Europe
Trinseo, a global materials company and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders and synthetic rubber, and its affiliate companies in Europe announced today price increases for all polystyrene (PS), ABS and SAN grades. Effective immediately, or as existing contract terms allow, the June contract and spot prices for the products listed below will increase as follows:
“Styron general purpose polystyrene grades (GPPS), “Styron and Styron A-Tech high impact polystyrene grades (HIPS) by 70 Euro per metric ton
“Magnum ABS resins by 70 Euro per metric ton
“Tyril SAN resins by 50 Euro per metric ton
General Purpose Polystyrene and Related Materials Used for the Making of Household Products
General Purpose Polystyrene, often referred to in its acronym form GPPS, is made from a styrene monomer polymer through a process of suspension. It is a solid product that is generally see through and compressed in granule form to produce a range of products. It is has a high gloss finish and is clear.
General Purpose Polystyrene is relatively strong and weather resistant. The material flows easily, making it perfect for usage in moulds with end products such as toys, CD cases, hangers, and plastic cups. The polystyrene is used in applications such as IT equipment, clear jewel boxes and other types of enclosures.
The General Purpose Polystyrene is also used for the manufacturing of disposable medical products such as test tubes, test kits housing, diagnostic products, Petri-dishes and tissue trays. Bath accessories and garden equipment are also made from GPPS. As such the application range of this type of polystyrene is extensive.
Other types include:
- High Density Polyethylene
- High Impact
- Low Density Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
- Linear Low Density Polyethylene
- Copolymer
High Density
High Density Polyethylene is used in the making of household items such as containers, caps, and bags. The material is used in injection, blow and rotational moulding. It is robust, easy to process, and has a high gloss finish.
High Impact
As opposed to General Purpose Polystyrene, the High Impact Polystyrene contains rubber and is used in the making of products that must be impact resistant and the transparency is less than with GPPS. The material has a standard flow, is glossy but less than GPPS, is crack resistant and is used in injection moulding. Applications include that of sheets for freezers.
Low Density
Low Density Polyethylene is used in the construction and agricultural industries in the form of a thin film. Products made from this type of polyethylene include packaging for frozen foods, t-shirt bags, textile packaging and laminating film.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is used for many applications. It can be injected as well. The material is used for products such as enclosures and toys. It is characterized by its strength, processing attributes, and glossy finish.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
The material is used in moulding processes and hot melting adhesive applications.
Linear Low Density Polyethylene
It is a blown film that can also be blended with other resins. Applications range from ice bags to lids, containers, vehicle parts and toys. It can handle low temperatures well and has a high gloss finish.
Copolymer
It is used for the making of lids and clear enclosure products. It is stiff and clear. The material is generally used in the making of hard consumer goods.
As can be seen from the above information provided, General Purpose Polystyrene and related types are used for a wide variety of applications. The cost effectiveness of production, ease of storage, and moulding characteristics make the material versatile and recycling of such products become all the more important. Without polystyrene, many of the disposable and household products of today would not have been available.
