About Polystyrene
Polystyrene is the ideal form of protective packaging and its characteristics make it suitable for many different applications.
The main features of polystyrene are that it is lightweight which helps reduce transportation costs and facilitates easy loading and unloading when the product arrives at its destination
Uses for Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a very strong material and will not fall apart or be dented easily by rough treatment. This ability to absorb shocks helps with the protection of the contents and prevents extra cost, replacing broken or damaged items.
The main benefit of polystyrene however is that it is extremely versatile as the properties it has allow it to be moulded into virtually any shape to match individual project specifications.
Some of the applications that Polystyrene can be used for are given below:
- Protection of goods - by using polystyrene, goods will arrive at their destination in perfect condition. This is especially true for items such as televisions, video recorders, bottles and other products that can be easily broken.
- Mail order - useful for sending items through the post as few, if any, breakage's will occur and because polystyrene is light in weight, the cost of postage will also be reduced.
- Climate control - keeps fresh produce cool during transportation so that it arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
- Strength - the strength of expanded polystyrene makes it suitable for supporting a great deal of weight.
- Energy saving - can be used for cavity wall, floor and loft insulation.
- Energy source - when recycled, polystyrene gives out a high portion of heat that can be recovered through special heat recovery incinerators.
- Plant protection - this ensures that the perfect circumstances for nourishment of plants will be maintained and facilitate growth.
Polystyrene and the Environment
Many people hold the view that polystyrene packaging has harmful and damaging effects on the environment. This perception is totally untrue. In fact, quite the opposite scenario is the case as polystyrene is exceptionally environmentally friendly.
No CFC's are used when manufacturing polystyrene and none are present in the finished product. This means that the finite ozone layer will not be under threat from harmful gases in the atmosphere.
When the polystyrene has served the purpose for which it was originally designed, it can then undergo recycling and be put to use elsewhere.
When used in landfill sites it does not emit unpleasant odours or harmful gases. It is also not eaten by rodents and so therefore does not attract vermin.
It can also be used in conjunction with peat to enhance soil after undergoing recycling into small chips.
During its life cycle, polystyrene can have many different uses and can be adapted for new purposes.
For theses reasons, polystyrene can be viewed as a form of packaging which is not only friendly towards the environment but has the versatility to allow for its use in a wide variety of areas.