Polystyrene: What’s the Difference Between HIPS and GPPS?

Find Out if HIPS or GPPS is Better for Your Polystyrene Application

Polystyrene (PS) is one of the most popular thermoplastic materials in the world, but depending on your application you’ll want to use High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) or General-Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS). Each has unique properties that should be taken into account before deciding which one is best for your project and end-user.

At Bamberger Amco Polymers, our material expertise can make a world of difference in your product development. Keep reading to learn more about which type of polystyrene is right for your next application.

What Do HIPS and GPPS Have in Common?

While there are some key differences between high-impact and general-purpose polystyrene resins, they do share several characteristics. Both resins are low-cost, rigid and easy to process and manufacture. They can be injection molded, extruded, blow molded and thermoformed.

HIPS and GPPS are FDA-compliant, making them super common in kitchenware, food packaging, healthcare products, and houseware applications.

Polystyrene resins have excellent aesthetic qualities and take paint, glue, and printing well. HIPS and GPPS are also both recyclable and flame-resistant, carrying an Underwriters Laboratory rating of 94HB.

Bamberger Amco Polymers offers HIPS and GPPS products through our close supplier relationship with Total Petrochemicals.