Foam Peanut - Polystyrene Foam Peanuts

Polystyrene Foam Peanuts

Polystyrene-based packing peanuts were introduced circa 1965 by Dow Chemical. Originally made from 100% virgin polystyrene resin, peanuts made from 100% recycled polystyrene have been commercially available since the mid-90s. The color and shape sometimes indicate what it is made of and who made it. Often green is 70% or more recycled polystyrene, white is 70% or more virgin resin and pink means anti-stat has been applied; although there are some variations. The most common shapes are similar to a "S", "figure 8" or "W" . Foam peanuts are very light (usually around 3 grams per litre/0.17 to 0.2 lb per cu ft) and easy to use.

Polystyrene peanuts may be used and reused many times with little or no loss in protection for the product shipped. They may be reused and recycled at many packing and shipping stores.