Office, Commercial and Industry

When computer manufacturers choose styrenic plastics

Toughness, heat-, scratch-, impact-resistance, smart surface finish, creative design, cost-effectiveness; these aren't the only qualities of styrenic plastics. One of the world leaders in computer design and manufacture conducted a case study on the need to combine in their products top quality, ease of manufacture, and cost-effectiveness - but with environmental responsibility. Their decision, justified by reduced cost and increased recyclability, was to use an integral acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) top cover for their latest model. In making their decision, the manufacturer considered ABS' key environmental performance attributes, including energy conservation, ease of disassembly of materials and recyclability of components and materials.

A study comparing housings for electrical and electronic equipment demonstrated that the environmental costs in production and at the end of life for styrene-based housings were one tenth those of aluminum alternatives.