High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

What is High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) Used For?

High-impact polystyrene (HIPS)  is a rigid, economical, and lightweight plastic used in tubing and profiles.

It generally comes with a flat finish and is available in natural (translucent white), stock, or custom colors. It is highly malleable and has a high tensile strength making HIPS a powerful tool in the packaging industry.

HIPS is a popular material for sterile packaging since it produces a lightweight, inexpensive, durable, and recyclable final product.

The food industry also frequently uses this plastic (in cups for hot and cold beverages, for example) as it meets FDA requirements in many markets.

While it is known for its stiff form, HIPS is considered a lower-strength material. HIPS can be molded and reformed into almost any shape or size imaginable. It is easy and cost-effective to print logos or decals on a HIPS sheet. For this reason, it is frequently used for POP displays and indoor signs. It can also be found in televisions, toys, gas tanks, and other automotive parts.

Its flexibility, recyclability, and low price point have all allowed HIPS to replace molded zinc in many industrial environments.

Have any questions about our usage of high-impact polystyrene in plastic extrusion? Get in touch today!