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New Analysis: Technoeconomics (TECH) report – Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a commodity polymer with a broad range of end-uses. The three major commercial types of polystyrene are general purpose (GPPS), high impact (HIPS), and expandable (EPS). GPPS is a brittle material with poor impact strength. HIPS is formed by the introduction of rubber (usually polybutadiene rubber) into the polymerization process to increase toughness and improve mechanical properties.

The main applications for GPPS/HIPS are packaging and consumer goods (including appliances). The main applications for EPS are construction and packaging. All types of polystyrene face competition from other materials based on performance, cost, and sustainability issues.

This TECH report provides an updated overview of the commercial technological, economic, and market aspects of GPPS, HIPS, and EPS. The following issues are addressed in this report:

Commercial Technologies

Polystyrene manufacturing has a long history and is considered mature technology. BASF and Dow were the pioneers of polystyrene technology before numerous other companies developed their own processes. Through mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, most technologies have complicated legacies.

GPPS and HIPS are commercially produced by continuous mass polymerization of styrene. Typical steps are pre-polymerization, polymerization, devolatilization, and finishing/pelletizing. For HIPS, an additional step is required to prepare a solution of rubber in styrene before pre-polymerization.

EPS is commercially produced by either batch suspension or continuous mass polymerization of styrene. The manufacture of EPS requires the addition of a blowing agent, either as the beads are formed in the suspension process or after the polymer melt has left the devolatilizer in the mass process.

Process technologies for GPPS, HIPS, and EPS production are offered for license by numerous technology holders, but many other technology holders do not license to third parties and retain their technologies for in-house use and joint ventures.

Process Economics

Detailed cost of production estimates for different production routes to GPPS, HIPS, and EPS are presented for USGC, China, and Western Europe locations. Estimates are developed for three different continuous mass processes for GPPS and HIPS production. Economics for EPS are developed for two batch suspension processes and one continuous mass process. A sensitivity analysis was developed based on variations of feedstock pricing, capital investment, and plant capacity.

Cost of Production Comparison for Polystyrene

NexantECA Cost of Production Comparison for Polystyrene

NexantECA Cost of Production Comparison for Polystyrene

Commercial Overview

Global polystyrene (GPPS/HIPS) demand was 11 million tons in 2020, a decline of 1.1 percent due to declines in the construction and packaging sectors as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. However, global EPS demand increased by 3.6 percent to 7.3 million tons due to strong growth in packaging, especially in China.

An overview of the supply, demand, and trade of GPPS/HIPS and EPS on a global and regional basis is provided in this TECH report.

Find out more on our NexantECA website

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