HIPS Plastic Packaging
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is produced by polymerizing standard polystyrene with rubber-based additives that enhance toughness without sacrificing rigidity. The result is a lightweight, economical thermoplastic that holds fine detail during thermoforming, making it ideal for scalable custom packaging.
At FormTight, we thermoform HIPS plastic packaging for manufacturers across the food, medical, and retail industries. Whether you need thermoformed trays, clamshells, or POP retail displays, our Denver facility is built to support high-volume production. We deliver consistent quality from the first unit to the last.
Why Manufacturers Choose HIPS for Packaging
HIPS stands out in high-volume packaging programs for a few key reasons.
Its low melting point and amorphous structure make it one of the easiest plastics to thermoform, which contributes to efficient production and lower per-unit costs on large orders. For manufacturers managing tight margins, that cost efficiency makes a measurable difference on large production runs.
Beyond formability, HIPS accepts custom colors and delivers a smooth, opaque surface that takes well to printing, labeling, and branding.
Certain grades are also food-safe for direct food contact, which is why HIPS is so common in food packaging applications like trays, lids, and inserts.
HIPS is best suited for ambient and cold-temperature applications, as it has limited heat resistance compared to materials like PP or HDPE.
High Impact Polystyrene Packaging Applications
We produce HIPS packaging across both thin gauge and thick gauge thermoforming processes to match your product's requirements. Common applications we produce include
- Food packaging trays and inserts
- Medical device shipping trays
- Point-of-purchase retail displays
- Transport or shipping trays designed to protect components in transit
Get a Quote on HIPS Packaging
At FormTight, we can thermoform HIPS plastic packaging to meet your industrial needs. Each project starts with a conversation about your product dimensions, volume expectations, and any industry-specific requirements. From there, our team handles custom packaging design, tooling, and production under one roof.
Ready to get started? Contact our team today to request a quote.
FAQs
Is HIPS packaging recyclable?
Yes. HIPS falls under resin identification code 6 (PS) and is accepted by many recycling programs.
How does HIPS compare to PET for thermoformed packaging?
HIPS is generally less expensive and easier to form, which makes it a strong fit for high-volume runs where cost control matters. PET offers better clarity and is often chosen for retail packaging that needs to showcase the product inside. Our team can help you determine which material is the right match for your application.
What order volumes does FormTight support for HIPS packaging?
We work with manufacturers running various production volumes, usually from 5,000 units up through 100,000 units and above. Our quoting process is built to scale with your project so reach out with your expected quantities, and we can provide a quote.