Styrenic polymers provide thermal, electrical, stress resistance, mechanical strength and durability, which make them key components for safe and long-lasting electronic and electrical devices. We can thus find styrenics in most of our electric equipment, as part of electronic enclosures, thermal/inner liners, or battery cases. 

Styrenics provide a lightweight and affordable alternative compared to the use of metals or plywood for these purposes, offering weight, fuel, cost and emissions savings both in the production and transportation phase. For instance, according to a socio-economic analysis of styrenic polymers conducted by Wood1 it was calculated that using XPS instead of plywood as panelling in a representative refrigerated van could save 1.36 litres of fuel and around 3.1 kg of CO2 per 100 km (about 96% of the fuel and emissions related to the weight of the panelling).  

Their resistance combined with flexibility also makes styrenics optimal for both durable and aesthetic house appliances such as food processors, commercial refrigerators, or washing machines. 


1 Wood Group UK Limited, Socio-economic analysis of styrene-based food contact materials, commissioned by Plastics Europe, December 2021. Report available upon request