PlasticResin code #6

PS — EPR Packaging Material Guide

Polystyrene is a rigid plastic used in trays, lids, jars, and specialty packaging; expanded polystyrene is tracked separately.

Need help documenting PS packaging?

What is PS?

Polystyrene is a rigid plastic used in trays, lids, jars, and specialty packaging; expanded polystyrene is tracked separately.

Common uses

Rigid traysLidsJarsCosmetic packaging

EPR Classification

Report rigid PS separately from EPS foam where programs distinguish the two.

Recyclability: Polystyrene recyclability is limited in many programs and may carry higher EPR fees.

Recycled content: PCR PS is uncommon in many consumer packaging formats.

Common Packaging Formats

Format	Typical weight	Common products
Tray	4-20g	Food and consumer goods
Jar	8-30g	Beauty products

How to Document PS

• Ask suppliers for resin type, resin identification code, component weight, PCR percentage, and additives.
• Request separate weights for closures, pumps, liners, labels, and decorations.
• Do not report all plastics as one category; resin-specific classification is usually required.

Often Confused With

EPSPPOther Plastic

Use supplier source text and evidence files to avoid material misclassification. When the material is uncertain, flag it for review rather than guessing.