--- title: Industry Insights | Natalie MacVarish description: Marketing Director --- [![icpg](https://blog.icpg.co/hubfs/ICPG_January2020/Images/icpg-logo-full.svg)](https://icpg.co/) - [Markets](https://icpg.co/markets/) - [Apple Sauce](https://icpg.co/markets/apple-sauce/) - [Baby Food](https://icpg.co/markets/baby-food/) - [Beverages](https://icpg.co/markets/beverages/) - [Yogurt and Dairy](https://icpg.co/markets/yogurt-and-dairy/) - [Coffee And Tea](https://icpg.co/markets/coffee-and-tea/) - [Condiments and Dip](https://icpg.co/markets/condiments-and-dipping-sauces/) - [Food Service](https://icpg.co/markets/food-service/) - [Marijuana and CBD](https://icpg.co/markets/marijuana-and-cbd/) - [On-the-go](https://icpg.co/markets/on-the-go/) - [Pet Food](https://icpg.co/markets/pet-food/) - [Snack Packs](https://icpg.co/markets/snack-packs/) - Materials + Applications - Materials - [XPP Solutions](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/xpp/) - [Polypropylene (PP)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/polypropylene-pp/) - [Polystyrene (PS)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/polystyrene-ps/) - [High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/high-density-polyethylene-hdpe/) - [PET](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/polyethylene-terephthalate/) - Applications - [Thermoform Containers](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/thermoform-containers/) - [Form Fill Seal](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/form-fill-seal/) - [Aseptic](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/aseptic/) - [Hot Fill](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/hot-fill/) - [Retort](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/retort/) - [Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/modified-atmosphere-packaging-map/) - [High Pressure Processing (HPP)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/high-pressure-processing-hpp/) - [Deposit-Fill-Seal](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/deposit-fill-seal/) - Capabilities - [Performance Additives](https://icpg.co/capabilities/specialty-additives/) - [Thermoforming](https://icpg.co/capabilities/thermoforming/) - [Custom Development](https://icpg.co/custom-development/) - [Extrusion Capabilities](https://icpg.co/capabilities/extrusion-capabilities/) - [visionX System](https://icpg.co/capabilities/visionx-system/) - [About Us](https://icpg.co/about-us/) - [Quality Control](https://icpg.co/about-us/quality-control/) - [Sustainability](https://icpg.co/about-us/sustainability/) - [Careers](https://icpg.co/about-us/careers/) - [Resources](https://icpg.co/resources/) - [Industry Insights](https://blog.icpg.co) - [Contact Us](https://icpg.co/about-us/contact-us/) - [The C.A.P. Pack Podcast](https://icpg.co/podcast/) [Start Your Project](https://icpg.co/about-us/contact-us/) - [Markets](https://icpg.co/markets/) - [Apple Sauce](https://icpg.co/markets/apple-sauce/) - [Baby Food](https://icpg.co/markets/baby-food/) - [Beverages](https://icpg.co/markets/beverages/) - [Yogurt and Dairy](https://icpg.co/markets/yogurt-and-dairy/) - [Coffee And Tea](https://icpg.co/markets/coffee-and-tea/) - [Condiments and Dip](https://icpg.co/markets/condiments-and-dipping-sauces/) - [Food Service](https://icpg.co/markets/food-service/) - [Marijuana and CBD](https://icpg.co/markets/marijuana-and-cbd/) - [On-the-go](https://icpg.co/markets/on-the-go/) - [Pet Food](https://icpg.co/markets/pet-food/) - [Snack Packs](https://icpg.co/markets/snack-packs/) - Materials + Applications - Materials - [XPP Solutions](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/xpp/) - [Polypropylene (PP)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/polypropylene-pp/) - [Polystyrene (PS)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/polystyrene-ps/) - [High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/high-density-polyethylene-hdpe/) - [PET](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/polyethylene-terephthalate/) - Applications - [Thermoform Containers](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/thermoform-containers/) - [Form Fill Seal](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/form-fill-seal/) - [Aseptic](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/aseptic/) - [Hot Fill](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/hot-fill/) - [Retort](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/retort/) - [Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/modified-atmosphere-packaging-map/) - [High Pressure Processing (HPP)](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/high-pressure-processing-hpp/) - [Deposit-Fill-Seal](https://icpg.co/materials-and-applications/deposit-fill-seal/) - Capabilities - [Performance Additives](https://icpg.co/capabilities/specialty-additives/) - [Thermoforming](https://icpg.co/capabilities/thermoforming/) - [Custom Development](https://icpg.co/custom-development/) - [Extrusion Capabilities](https://icpg.co/capabilities/extrusion-capabilities/) - [visionX System](https://icpg.co/capabilities/visionx-system/) - [About Us](https://icpg.co/about-us/) - [Quality Control](https://icpg.co/about-us/quality-control/) - [Sustainability](https://icpg.co/about-us/sustainability/) - [Careers](https://icpg.co/about-us/careers/) - [Resources](https://icpg.co/resources/) - [Industry Insights](https://blog.icpg.co) - [Contact Us](https://icpg.co/about-us/contact-us/) - [The C.A.P. Pack Podcast](https://icpg.co/podcast/) [Start Your Project](https://icpg.co/about-us/contact-us/) [![icpg](https://blog.icpg.co/hubfs/ICPG_January2020/Images/icpg-logo-footer.svg "icpg")](https://icpg.co/) - [![ICPG](https://blog.icpg.co/hubfs/ICPG_January2020/Images/icpg-logo-footer.svg)](https://icpg.co) ![Close](https://blog.icpg.co/hubfs/ICPG_January2020/Images/close-ic.png) # Insights on the cutting-edge of packaging. Uncover a compelling collection of fresh and trending content, featuring posts from our team of commercial and technical industry experts on everything from market solutions to innovative materials, diverse applications, and breaking industry trends. ## [Market, Materials & Solutions Polystyrene Supply Is Shifting: How to Build a Long-Term Packaging Material Strategy Two developments this year have pushed long-term material planning back onto packaging agendas. In June 2026, INEOS Styrolution announced it will permanently close its polystyrene production site in Channahon, Illinois, with decommissioning expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2026. The site has been in operation since 1960 and carries roughly 400,000 metric tons of annual capacity. In... Natalie MacVarish | September 17, 2026 | 6 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/polystyrene-alternatives-what-to-evaluate) #### Search Blog #### Select a Category Select a Category All Podcast Materials & Solutions Sustainability Process XPP Market Economics News & Company Information Services #### Subscribe to Our Newsletter #### Share Our Blog [![Share on Facebook](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hub/7212117/hubfs/Icons/icon-facebook.png?width=24&name=icon-facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.icpg.co%2Fpolystyrene-alternatives-what-to-evaluate%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hub/7212117/hubfs/Icons/icon-linkedin.png?width=24&name=icon-linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.icpg.co%2Fpolystyrene-alternatives-what-to-evaluate%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://blog.icpg.co/hs-fs/hubfs/x-full-color-icon.png?width=24&name=x-full-color-icon.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.icpg.co%2Fpolystyrene-alternatives-what-to-evaluate%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.icpg.co%2Fpolystyrene-alternatives-what-to-evaluate%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Polystyrene%20Alternatives%3A%20What%20to%20Evaluate%20%7C%20ICPG) [![Share on Email](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hub/7212117/hubfs/Icons/icon-mail.png?width=24&name=icon-mail.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.icpg.co%2Fpolystyrene-alternatives-what-to-evaluate%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.icpg.co%2Fpolystyrene-alternatives-what-to-evaluate%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ## [Podcast Crazy About Packaging Season 4, Episode 1: Long-Term Packaging Material Strategy Natalie MacVarish | September 8, 2026 8 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/crazy-about-packaging-s4e1-long-term-packaging-material-strategy) ## [Podcast Crazy About Packaging Season 3, Episode 12: High Barrier Food Packaging Natalie MacVarish | August 11, 2026 6 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/crazy-about-packaging-s3e12-high-barrier-food-packaging) ## [The Science of Clarity in Packaging: Why PET vs PP Is No Longer a Trade-Off Natalie MacVarish | August 5, 2026 4 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/clarity-in-packaging-pet-vs-pp-is-no-longer-a-trade-off) ## [Podcast Crazy About Packaging Season 3, Episode 11: The Real Cost of Packaging Natalie MacVarish | July 14, 2026 5 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/crazy-about-packaging-s3e11-real-cost-of-packaging) ## [Sustainability, Materials & Solutions Cost-Effective Packaging: Can Recyclable Packaging Reduce Total Cost? Natalie MacVarish | July 13, 2026 7 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/cost-effective-packaging-looking-beyond-resin-price) ## [Where Recyclable Plastics Really Go Natalie MacVarish | June 17, 2026 7 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/recyclable-plastics-what-really-happens-next) ## [Podcast Crazy About Packaging Season 3, Episode 10: Consumer Perception of Sustainable Packaging Natalie MacVarish | June 9, 2026 6 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/crazy-about-packaging-s3e10-consumer-perception-sustainable-packaging) ## [Podcast Crazy About Packaging Season 3, Episode 9: AI and Recycling Systems Natalie MacVarish | May 13, 2026 5 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/crazy-about-packaging-s3e9-ai-and-recycling) ## [Food Packaging Design: Balancing Sustainability, Cost, Performance, and Shelf Life Natalie MacVarish | May 6, 2026 3 minute read](https://blog.icpg.co/food-packaging-design-sustainability-cost-performance-shelf-life) Prev [1](https://blog.icpg.co) [2](https://blog.icpg.co/author/natalie-macvarish/page/2) [3](https://blog.icpg.co/author/natalie-macvarish/page/3) [4](https://blog.icpg.co/author/natalie-macvarish/page/4) [5](https://blog.icpg.co/author/natalie-macvarish/page/5) [Next](https://blog.icpg.co/author/natalie-macvarish/page/2) [![icpg](https://blog.icpg.co/hubfs/ICPG_January2020/Images/icpg-logo-footer.svg "icpg")](https://icpg.co) [![impact_logo_white](https://blog.icpg.co/hubfs/impact_logo_white.png "impact_logo_white")](https://www.impactplastics.co) © Impact Consumer Products Group – All Rights Reserved 2020 - [Privacy Policy](https://icpg.co/privacy-policy/) 5 Highland Drive Putnam, CT 06260 Phone: 860-963-1976 General Fax: 860-963-1998 - Stay Connected - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/icpgco) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/icpgco) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/icpgco/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ICPG-Food-Packaging-101654432099724)