Polystyreenillä

Polystyreenillä is the Finnish word for polystyrene. Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer styrene. It is a common, inexpensive plastic and is often used in disposable cutlery, packaging, and insulation.

Polystyrene can exist in two forms: solid or foamed. Solid polystyrene is a clear, hard plastic. It is brittle and can be easily broken. Foamed polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is lightweight and has excellent insulating properties. This is because it is composed of about 95% air.

Polystyrene is widely used in the packaging industry for protective packaging of electronic equipment, food, and other fragile items. Its excellent thermal insulation properties make it a popular choice for building insulation and in the production of disposable cups and containers for hot beverages. It is also used in the production of toys, CD cases, and laboratory equipment.

While polystyrene is a versatile material, its environmental impact is a concern. It is not readily biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Recycling efforts are in place to reduce the amount of polystyrene waste, but it remains a significant component of landfill waste.