Impact resistant polystyrene is an impact resistant polystyrene product produced by adding polybutadiene rubber particles to polystyrene. The polystyrene product will add micron sized rubber particles and connect the polystyrene and rubber particles together by branching. When impacted, the stress at the tip of crack propagation will be released by relatively soft rubber particles. Therefore, the crack propagation is hindered and the impact resistance is improved.

HIPS is widely used in many appliances and industries due to its convenient manufacture and low cost. Major industries and markets include packaging, disposable products, appliances and consumer appliances, toys and entertainment products, construction products and decorations. The largest single application of HIPS is packaging, especially in the food industry. The world consumption exceeds 30%.