Our History

Polystyrene (PS) is a thermoplastic developed from crude oil, available as granules. The heat it generates during its combustion is identical to that generated by a hydrocarbon.

The history of PS began in 1831, when it was discovered that vapours released during the combustion of balsam fir resin contained a chemical substance called styrene. Traces of this substance can also be found on embalmed Egyptian mummies.

As early as 1831, scientists realised that liquid styrene belonged to a group of products which can turn solid when they undergo a chemical mutation.
As researchers improved their understanding of the product over the years, they were soon able to produce synthetic styrene.

By 1929, scientists had found ways to produce styrene from benzene and ethylene.

In 1933, Doctor Wulff and Doctor Dorrer working in Germany were the first ones to develop production on an industrial scale.

In 1940, world production was a mere 2,000 tpa. Only after the second world war, the production began on a truly industrial scale.

By 1946, production had reached 30,000 tpa.

Today, production exceeds 10 million tpa, and polystyrene remains one the most popular polymers for its light weight, attractive appearance, pleasant touch, and straightforward processing qualities.