Sales of polystyrene into the US food packaging sector climbed 55% in the first half of this year.
Although sales of PVC rose by 8.5% much of that growth was supplied by export sales, which rocked by nearly 55%, according to American Chemistry Council.
Sales of linear low density polyethylene gained 7.2% in the first half of this year compared with the same period of 2009. Domestic growth accounted for 4.1% of that rise and exports 16.3%.
Pure solid polystyrene is a recyclable, colorless, hard plastic with limited flexibility and can be cast into molds with fine detail. Polystyrene can be transparent or can be made to take on various colors.
Solid polystyrene is used in disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD and DVD cases, and smoke detector housings. Products made from foamed polystyrene are nearly ubiquitous, for example packing materials, insulation, and foam drink cups.