Dart Container Corporation

Products
- Cups
- Foam
- Plastic
- Paper – Hot
- Paper – Cold
- Paper – Specialty
- Fusion
- Custom Print
- Containers
- Foam
- Plastic
- Paper
- Hinged Lid
- Portion
- Tamper Resistant/Evident
- Two Piece
- Custom Print
- Dinnerware
- Foam
- Plastic
- Paper
- Sugarcane
- Dome Covers
- Accessories
- Lids
- Cutlery
- Specialty
- Towelettes
- Cup Inserts
About Us
- Dart History
  An interactive slide show documenting the history of Dart
- Solo History
  The history of Solo Cup Company capturing important moments in time
- Plant Locations
  An interactive map of Dart plant locations around the world
- Leadership Team
  Meet our executive leadership team
- FAQs
  Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Service
- Ask Customer Service
  Request up-to-date information regarding your Dart account from our customer service team
- Account Assistance
  We are here to help if you require account assistance
- Place Order
  Place your order online
- E-Invoicing
  Sign up now for e-invoicing and receive the benefits of being connected
- Voice of the Customer
  Share your feedback on product ideas or improvements
- Servicio al Cliente en Español
News
- News Archive
  Browse all of Dart's notable news and press releases.
- Sustainability News
  Read about our environmental stewardship efforts and how we are making a difference
- New Products
  Find out more about our newest product offerings
- Industry Awards
  A list of the awards we have received over the years
- Trade Shows
  Find out about upcoming trade shows, locally and internationally
Sustainability
- About Our Products
  Learn more about the materials Dart uses to make products and how they can be repurposed through different methods.
- Sustainability Commitments
  Ways we are making a difference
- Sustainability Newsroom
  Read about our environmental stewardship efforts and how we are making a difference
- Resources
  View literature, videos, and reports related to our environmental efforts
Careers
- About Us
  A brief overview of Dart Container Corporation
- Search by Location
  Dart has facilities located across the world. Find a job in a location near you
- Plant Locations
  An interactive map of all Dart plant locations around the world
- Join the Talent Community
  Utilize My Job Agents to connect with opportunities that interest you
- View All Jobs
  Discover all current Dart job opportunities
- Career Areas
  Find out more about what careers are available within Dart

Foam Polystyrene Production Process

Polystyrene (PS) is a multi-faceted plastic used in many common items. The resin identification code for this plastic is "6." PS (solid or foamed) starts as a liquid monomer and is made into a stable, solid polymer pellet. To turn the pellets into PS foam, they are impregnated with a blowing agent, such as pentane or carbon dioxide. This transforms them into “pre-puff” beads. The beads are then heated and puffed up like popcorn. These beads are made into cups, plates, and containers through thermoforming or steam-chest molding.

Recovery & Recycling Information ♸

Recycling facilities for foam PS cups, clamshells, and trays are limited; however, access is increasing in the U.S. and Canada. Please check with your local recycler to see if PS is accepted in your recycling program, or visit the polystyrene foam recycling map to search for a recycler near you.

Did You Know?

Foam products consume less energy in production than popular alternatives.

Foam products are an environmentally sound choice when compared to alternatives on a cradle-to-grave life cycle basis.

Foam burns cleanly in modern municipal energy-from-waste facilities.

Polystyrene is an inert material (meaning it does not react with other substances) that is safe and sanitary.