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CyclomerTrading Ltd · London

PS / HIPS / EPS / XPS

HS 3903 / 3915.20polystyrenehigh-impact polystyreneexpanded polystyrenestyrofoamresin code 6

The styrenics family: GPPS (general-purpose polystyrene) is glass-clear and brittle — CD cases, laboratory ware; HIPS adds rubber for impact strength — yoghurt pots, print and display sheet; EPS is the white expanded bead foam of fish boxes and insulation; XPS the extruded foam board of construction insulation.

As scrap, dense PS/HIPS from industrial sources trades steadily into recycled styrenic compounds. EPS is the awkward one: 98% air, so loose EPS rarely covers its freight — compaction or densification is the price of admission to export markets. Key parameters: source (food-contaminated PS is heavily discounted), colour, and for EPS the compaction density. Scrap classifies under HS 3915.20, primary forms under 3903. Export acceptance is consignee-specific; in this corridor styrenics are enquiry-led rather than standard grades.