Polystyrene: A marvel of modern society

MANILA, Philippines -  Look around and you can see many marvels in your midst — from transportation to skyscrapers, high-tech machines and gadgets and other inventions — which have become an integral part of modern life.

One of these modern marvels is polystyrene or more popularly known as styrofoam, which brings convenience to many people’s lives.

Polystyrene is made from the primary raw material styrene, a petroleum by-product. Introduced in the 1930s, styrene played a vital role during World War II for the production of synthetic rubber.

After the war, the use of styrene has evolved, mainly for the manufacture of commercial polystyrene products. It’s a hands-down bet that, at any given day, you have used and will continue to use a product derived from styrene.

An indispensable tool in day-to-day life, it is one of the most commonly used types of plastic: it’s the coffee cup that retains the drink’s hot temperature without burning the hand, the foam cushion that protects new gadgets during delivery and the nifty packaging that keeps “to-go” meals fresh and clean.

Its convenience rests in the fact that it’s light and yet rigid, economical but durable at the same time, as well as sanitary.

Not many people know it but polystyrene is not just about food service applications. Many industries benefit from polystyrene — from schools to hospitals, nursing homes, supermarkets, restaurants and even sports stadiums are among the many institutions and businesses that rely on polystyrene packaging.

In grocery stores, you can see polystyrene in virtually all their meat and poultry trays, as well as egg cartons and a variety of produce packages, such as apple trays, tomato containers, and grape crates. This keeps the food items in hygienic state while in storage.

At home, just open your refrigerator and you’ll see its polystyrene lining. It is also used in light switch plates, and even compact disc jackets for your CD files. 

If you have a newly purchased electronics and appliances, polystyrene is the cushioning material to protect it during transport. In the hospital, polystyrene-made products bring convenience to patients, staff, and the medical industry, as these foam-made products are used as protective packaging for aspirin bottles, thermometers and other medical supplies. 

Other polystyrene applications are vents, desk trays, rulers, license plate frames, foam packing, thermal insulation, and many other varied uses.              

Responsible use

Man draws almost endless benefits from great gifts of technology like styrene. What it calls for in return is simple: proper use and responsible disposal. With the current waste segregation scheme implemented by the local government, it falls to consumers to play their part in ensuring that their various garbage, particularly polystyrene and plastic, are segregated and undergo the proper recycling process, acquiring yet a whole new range of useful by-products.

Polystyrene can be recycled and reused creatively in more ways than one. Recycled polystyrene by-products include foamed fast food trays, beverage containers, cosmetic cases, household containers, and school supplies like ballpens.

Or you can also simply reuse polystyrene as storage containers for arts and crafts, or as guide or support for garden plots.

Leading the way in providing practical ways on how to help consumers learn more about polystyrene and advocate its proper use, disposal, recovery and recycling is the Polystyrene Packaging Council of the Philippines (PPCP). 

PPCP’s initiatives are in coordination with fast-food chains, schools, government institutions, and other social-environmental organizations, whereby the association provides them timely, clear and concise industry information, as well as assists them in recycling details including technical support.

For more information on polystyrene and its various uses and recycling options, contact the PPCP at 522-0860 or log on to www.ppcp.org.ph.