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ENGINEERING PLASTICS

SBC(Styrene-butadiene copolymer)

A styrenic polymer family that can offer a useful balance of transparency and toughness.

Polymer / material family
Engineering Plastics — representative material applications
THE NAME, EXPLAINED

What is SBC?

SBC means Styrene-butadiene copolymer.

A styrenic polymer family that can offer a useful balance of transparency and toughness.

Worth knowing

SBC is a family designation, sometimes used broadly for styrenic block copolymers. Share the manufacturer grade rather than relying on the abbreviation alone.

WHY MANUFACTURERS CHOOSE IT

Properties with a practical purpose.

01

Clarity in suitable grades

This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.

02

Impact performance

This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.

03

Processability

How readily a particular grade can be shaped under the correct processing conditions.

Properties vary with formulation, reinforcement, moisture, processing and service conditions. Use the exact grade data sheet for engineering decisions.

THE NEXT-CYCLE QUESTION

What matters when considering recovery?

A known grade and a clean, separated batch make the recycling enquiry more useful. A route must still be agreed.

SBC is a family designation, sometimes used broadly for styrenic block copolymers. Share the manufacturer grade rather than relying on the abbreviation alone.

Poly-Cycle can discuss your material information and collection requirements. Inclusion in this guide does not confirm acceptance, a particular recycling method or that every operation takes place at a Poly-Cycle facility.

How assessment and collection work

Make the enquiry easier

  1. Confirm the identity. Keep the manufacturer, trade grade and polymer marking. For an additive or chemical, include the safety data sheet.
  2. Describe the batch. Give the weight, colour and form: pellets, parts, sheet, film, fibre or another format.
  3. Explain what else is present. Declare fillers, coatings, metal inserts, other polymers and previous contact with chemicals or other contaminants.
  4. Agree the route. Share photographs and your collection postcode before arranging a movement.
FROM THE GUIDE TO YOUR MATERIAL

Have SBC to discuss?

Send the team your grade details, approximate quantity and photographs. We can discuss the information needed for your particular batch.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related material guides.

Browse Engineering Plastics
ABS

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene

A common rigid plastic that balances a hard surface with resistance to knocks.

Understand this material
MABS

Methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene

A modified styrenic plastic that offers transparency alongside impact performance.

Understand this material
SAN

Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer

A rigid, often transparent plastic used for durable clear products.

Understand this material
Technical references and reading

General material information reviewed 1 November 2026. Manufacturer information supports the material descriptions; recycling enquiry guidance is an editorial synthesis, not a statement of a supplier’s or Poly-Cycle’s acceptance criteria.

Browse this guide under: Engineering Plastics. The original category inventory was informed by RM Group’s plastics directory; explanations have been written for Poly-Cycle.

Enlarged Poly Cycle gallery photograph