Plastics Lighten the Load and Increase Sustainability in the Transportation Industry

What essential impacts do styrenics (plastics) have on the supply chain and logistics and transportation industry? What specific tools/abilities do we have now because of styrenic products?

Styrenic plastics play a vital role in the way we lead our modern lives. They are so essential to the way we live day-to-day, that many people don’t even realize how much we rely on them.

Styrenics plastics are valuable and sustainable and have many material applications that outperform alternative solutions. From construction and insulation to safe and hygienic food storage along with medical applications and electronic housings, it has enabled innovation, safety, and energy savings across dozens of industries, making it indispensable to our daily lives. 

Polystyrene is an often misunderstood styrenic material, however, its light weight means less emissions are produced during shipping of goods, its barrier properties help food stay fresher, and its strength properties mean that less material needs to be used when compared to alternative materials. This leads to a reduced climate impact by reducing fuel use and emissions during shipping.

Styrenics play a role in transportation methods too. Many automotive front grills, rear spoilers, rear-view mirrors, glove box doors, and seat belt pillars are made of the styrenic material ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate).

These lightweight and durable materials not only reduce fuel consumption and emissions in cars and trucks, but also helps vehicles absorb energy during a collision, keeping passengers safe. INEOS Styrolution Terluran ECO includes up to 70 percent recycled ABS. This recycled material drives environmental efficiencies and offers the same product performance as the original material. 

INEOS Styrolution ECO materials are our family of sustainable styrenics materials made from recycled post-consumer plastic waste as well as materials based on renewable feedstock.

Why do other materials not measure up to styrenics when it comes to transporting goods such as perishable foods?

A common misconception is that other materials like glass or aluminum are more sustainable than plastic. Polystyrene is far more eco-friendly and has a lower environmental footprint. Styrenics keep foods fresh and hygienically stored. They help to prevent contamination and illness, and their unique design capabilities and insulation properties extend the shelf life of food, keeping it fresher for longer, while preventing food waste.

“Styrenics, such as polystyrene, not only prevent food waste but are also recyclable.”

Styrenics, such as polystyrene, not only prevent food waste, but are also recyclable. Food waste often ends up in landfills which are a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, because the material is so lightweight, less emissions are produced during the transport of goods and its strength properties mean that less material needs to be used when compared to alternative materials.

Contrary to popular belief, how is plastic materials and packaging the most sustainable when it comes to supply chain logistics?

When it comes to transporting goods, the choice of packaging material can have an impact on a variety of factors, including cost, weight, durability, and environmental impact. In most cases, plastic materials offer advantages over alternative materials like aluminum or glass.

One advantage of plastic packaging for transportation is that it is generally lighter in weight than alternative materials. This can result in lower transportation costs and reduced fuel consumption, which in turn can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plastic packaging is also durable and can be resistant to breakage or damage during transport, which can reduce waste and improve product protection.