Biodegradable* High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a low-cost, plastic material that has excellent impact resistance and stability.
It’s also extremely lightweight and can be combined with rubber or other materials to increase its strength and durability as it is naturally not as durable as other resins. HIPS plastic is primarily used in situations where impact resistance and cost-effectiveness are required. It also has good gloss and low volatility.
HIPS is found in:
- Trays
- Plates
- Housing materials
- Prototypes
Even though HIPS plastic is naturally less durable than other plastics, such as vinyl or PVC, it still takes hundreds of years to biodegrade naturally into inert biomass. Combining HIPS plastic with EcoPure® can enhance the biodegradable* nature of the material. EcoPure® does not affect the quality, color or clarity of the product with which it is combined.
* Biodegradation rates of EcoPure®-treated plastic materials measured according to the ASTM D5511 test method. Tests are generally conducted using 20% to 30% solids content; solids content in naturally wetter landfills range from 55% to 65%, while the driest landfills may reach 93%. Actual biodegradation rates will vary in biologically-active landfills according to the type of plastic used, the product configuration, and the solid content, temperature and moisture levels of the landfill.