12 Polystyrene Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for polystyrene as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 polystyrene manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked polystyrene companies as of April, 2024: 1.Styropek, 2.Michigan Foam Products, 3.Foam Products Corporation.
Table of Contents
What Is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a polymer compound obtained by polymerizing styrene, which is chemically synthesized from crude oil or naphtha.
It is also known as polystyrene or styrene resin. Polystyrene was first industrialized in Germany in the 1930s. It was later industrialized in the U.S., but production stalled for a while because the country was in the midst of World War II.
Full-scale production began after the war when Japan began importing styrene monomer in 1957.
Uses of Polystyrene
Polystyrene are versatile plastic that can be used for various applications, including plastic parts inside home appliances, food packaging materials, letter cases, computer housings, CD cases, ballpoint pen shafts, and other items requiring high transparency and rigidity. It is also used for diffusion plates and light guide plates for LCD displays. The applications are wide-ranging.
Foamed polystyrene, to which a foaming agent is added, can be easily formed during the molding process and is used in products that take advantage of its heat-insulating properties. It is used for cup noodle containers, containers for boxed lunches and prepared foods at supermarkets, as well as insulation materials for building materials.
Types of Polystyrene
Types of polystyrene include general polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, impact-resistant polystyrene, and biaxially oriented polystyrene sheet.
1. General-Use Polystyrene
General-use polystyrene is made exclusively from styrene, is inexpensive, and is used in many applications due to its well-balanced physical properties. It has excellent transparency, and good dimensional accuracy, and can be easily colored. Since styrene is the only raw material, it is easy to recycle.
On the other hand, it has weaknesses such as a low heat resistance temperature of 60-80°C, low-impact resistance, and high resistance to acids and alkalis, but low oil resistance.
2. Foamed Polystyrene
Expanded polystyrene is a material that foams and expands when heated during the molding process of the final product. It is more commonly known as expanded polystyrene. When polystyrene is manufactured, a foaming agent is added to the raw material, which causes it to expand when heated during the molding process. Since it is a foaming material, it has high heat insulation properties and is lightweight, making it widely used in everything from daily necessities to building materials.
3. Impact-Resistant Polystyrene
Impact-resistant polystyrene is made by adding rubber components such as polybutadiene during the polymerization of polystyrene, thereby improving the impact resistance of general-use polystyrene. While the impact resistance is 5 to 10 times higher than that of general-purpose polystyrene, there are disadvantages, such as lower rigidity and transparency. Moldability and chemical resistance are equivalent to those of general polystyrene.
Blends of this impact-resistant polystyrene with general-use polystyrene exhibit properties intermediate between these two, and a wide variety of grades are available.
4. Biaxially Oriented Polystyrene Sheet
A biaxially oriented polystyrene sheet is obtained by further stretching the extruded polystyrene sheet in two axial directions. Biaxial stretching results in molecular orientation, which improves strength and impact resistance without compromising transparency and chemical resistance. It is mainly used as a food packaging material, such as transparent lids for boxed lunches sold in supermarkets and convenience stores.
Other Information on Polystyrene
How Polystyrene Is Manufactured
Polystyrene can be produced industrially through bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, emulsion polymerization, and suspension polymerization. Styrene, the raw material, is obtained by thermal synthesis of benzene and ethylene.
1. Mass Polymerization Method
This is a method in which styrene monomer is polymerized by adding an initiator to the monomer and heating it as it is.
2. Solution Polymerization Method
This method involves dissolving styrene monomer in a reaction-inert organic solvent, adding a polymerization initiator, and heating for polymerization.
3. Emulsion Polymerization Method
This method involves mixing styrene monomer, surfactant, water-soluble polymerization initiator, and water, emulsifying the mixture in water, and then polymerizing it by heating.
4. Suspension Polymerization Method
Styrene monomer, suspension stabilizer, polymerization initiator, and water are mixed, and polymerized by heating while suspended and dispersed in water.
List of 12 Polystyrene Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- Taiwan
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Foam Products Corporation
Polystyrene Foam Products
Manufacturer Overview
Foam Products Corporation., founded in Calhoun, Georgia, in 1978 is a manufacturer of acoustical underpayments for LVT, vinyl plank, laminate and wood floors. The company's product portfolio includes double stick commercial carpet cushions for hospitality and commercial applications, wood wall planks and kitchen backsplashes, breathable waterproof protective films and coated fabrics and cushioning products. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building.
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Michigan Foam Products
EPS
Manufacturer Overview
Michigan Foam Products LLC, established in 1972 in the USA, is a manufacturer specializing in expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products. This foam is derived from styrene, an essential component in creating materials like polyester and EPS through its polymerization with various elements.Company crafts a diverse range of rigid EPS packaging solutions, along with other EPS projects designed to cater to commercial, residential, civil, and governmental applications. Its primary aim is to provide cushioning using EPS foam and with an unwavering quality, company offers a selection of solutions suitable for various industries and requirements.
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Foamcraft USA, LLC
Expanded Polystyrene Foam
Company Overview
Foamcraft USA, LLC is a Chicago-based foam fabricator founded in 1962. The company fabricates foam materials using modern equipment and machinery. It offers a wide variety of foam products including EVA foams, neoprene foam, and sponge rubber. As a foam fabricator, it also offers services like prototyping, case inserts, and packaging. In addition, the company offers a wide variety of foam cutting methods including die cutting, contour cutting, kiss cutting, and many more.
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Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.
Syndiotactic Polystyrene
Manufacturer Overview
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., established in 1911 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier in the energy and chemicals sector. The company offers a wide range of products, including petroleum, lubricants, petrochemicals, and more. These products play a critical role in fueling industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and construction. Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. also provides quality, eco-friendly solutions. They aim to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, ensuring a great future for both their customers and the planet.
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Chi Mei Corp.
PS Resin
Manufacturer Overview
Chimei Corporation is a Taiwanese manufacturer of electronics and chemical products, including LCD panels, optical films, and specialty chemicals. The company was established in 1960 and has since expanded its operations to include a wide range of products and services.products are used electronics, automotive, and construction. The company's plastics, for example, are used in the production of electronic components, automobile interiors, and medical devices. In 2021, the company received the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Award, which renown companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
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Jiangsu Sunkaier Industrial Technology Co., Ltd.
HIGH IMPACT POLYSTYRENE PLANT
Manufacturer Overview
SUNKAIER Industrial Technology Co. Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer of process equipment and technology established in 1999 and based in Yixing, Jiangsu. The company produces various reactors and mixing agitators, as well as polymer processing and heat transfer equipment. Aside from its products, the company offers engineering services including project planning and commissioning, installation, and maintenance. The company's products are mainly used by its clients in the petrochemical, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors.
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Ohishi Sangyo Co.,Ltd.
Polystyrene Film
Manufacturer Overview
Ohishi Sangyo Co., Ltd. was established in 1925 and based in Kitakyushu City, Japan, as a manufacturer of industrial packaging materials. It specializes in manufacturing pulp molds, plastic films like polystyrene and T-die embossed films, polyethylene bags, as well as film coatings. It also manufactures heavy-duty bags, such as multi-walled sack kraft bags, and form-fill seals. Its manufactured products are utilized for livestock, agricultural, medical, chemicals, and plastics sectors across Japan. The company received several certifications, such as ISO 9001:2008, MS 1480:2007, and OHSAS 18001:2007 certifications. In February 2022, it was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
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KRATON CORPORATION
Hydrogenated block copolymers
Manufacturer Overview
Kraton Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty polymers and biobased chemicals established in 2009 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA. The company primarily produces specialty polymers such as fully fluorinated perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) for electronics or automotive components, and styrenic block copolymers such as unhydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (USBS) for use in adhesives or coatings. It also offers custom formulation services for unique client projects. The company’s products are commonly used in road construction, tire manufacturing, and adhesives development.
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Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH
Polystyrene Sheet PS Clear 500 x 250 x 2 mm
Company Overview
Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH, established in 1967 and headquartered in Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in electrical insulation materials. The company offers a wide range of products, including electrical insulation films, adhesive tapes, and gaskets, which find applications in various industries, primarily serving the electronics and electrical sectors. These products are used for ensuring electrical insulation, securing and insulating electrical components, and sealing electronic enclosures, thus maintaining the functionality of electronic devices and systems.
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Storopack
INSULATING BOXES
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Polystyrene Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Styropek |
19.2%
|
| 2 | Michigan Foam Products |
13.5%
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| 3 | Foam Products Corporation |
13.5%
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| 4 | Foamcraft USA, LLC |
10.8%
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| 5 | Styrotech, Inc. |
10.0%
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| 6 | Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH |
6.2%
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| 7 | Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. |
6.2%
|
| 8 | Jiangsu Sunkaier Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. |
4.6%
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| 9 | Ohishi Sangyo Co.,Ltd. |
4.4%
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| 10 | KRATON CORPORATION |
4.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the polystyrene page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.: 14,000
- Storopack: 2,490
- Ohishi Sangyo Co.,Ltd.: 545
Newly Established Company
- Styrotech, Inc.: 1987 (37 years ago)
- Foamcraft USA, LLC: 1962 (62 years ago)
- Chi Mei Corp.: 1960 (64 years ago)
Company with a History
- Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.: 1940 (84 years ago)
- Ohishi Sangyo Co.,Ltd.: 1947 (77 years ago)
- Storopack: 1959 (65 years ago)
Polystyrene Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Polystyrene Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
5 | 50.0% |
Japan
|
2 | 20.0% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 10.0% |
China
|
1 | 10.0% |
Germany
|
1 | 10.0% |
