ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Also called: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

ABS is a tough, glossy engineering plastic used in appliance housings, electronics and automotive parts, recycled mainly from moulding scrap and e-waste.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic that combines the rigidity of styrene, the chemical resistance of acrylonitrile and the toughness of butadiene rubber. Its density is about 1.04-1.06 g/cm3. It falls under resin code 7 (other).

Recycled forms traded

• Post-industrial moulding rejects, runners and purgings.
• Post-consumer housings from appliances, computers and electronics, sold as scrap or regrind.
• Recycled ABS granules, often in black, grey or natural.

Why it matters when buying recycled plastic

• Electronics scrap is often mixed with HIPS, PC/ABS and other plastics that look similar; ask how it was sorted.
• Some housings use flame-retardant grades. Confirm whether flame-retardant content is acceptable for your product.
• Check impact strength and MFI, because repeated processing can reduce toughness.
• ABS absorbs some moisture and is usually dried before moulding.

Common uses

Appliance and electronics housings, automotive interior parts, luggage, toys, helmets and sanitary fittings.

Clean, single-colour post-industrial ABS usually gives the most consistent results, while mixed electronics scrap needs careful sorting and testing before use in visible parts.