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Understanding the 4 Most Common Methods of Recycling Plastics

Nanette on April 12, 2024

Efficient plastic waste recycling fosters our industry’s shift toward a circular economy, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by repurposing discarded materials as valuable resources within this sustainable model.

The initial stages of collection and sorting are pivotal in ensuring that segregated plastics reach recycling facilities.  Enhancements in collection methods and sorting technologies are imperative for achieving higher recycling rates.

Notably, recycling rates soar tenfold when plastics are collected separately as opposed to mixed collections.

Recycling waste into reusable materials is a cornerstone of sustainability, diminishing the necessity for fresh resources and curtailing energy consumption and emissions associated with refining and manufacturing processes.

Plastic recycling encompasses 4 various methods.

Mechanical recycling is a common method employed for recycling plastics, such as PET and HDPE. This approach involves reprocessing plastic waste without altering its chemical composition. Through mechanical recycling, plastics are sorted, cleaned, melted, and molded into new products. It’s a straightforward and cost-effective method that helps conserve resources and reduce environmental impact by giving new life to discarded plastics.

Chemical recycling is an emerging approach that offers a promising solution for handling plastic waste. Unlike mechanical recycling, which focuses on reprocessing plastics without altering their chemical structure, chemical recycling involves breaking down polymers into their molecular components through various processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, and depolymerization. These shorter molecules can then be used as feedstock for manufacturing new plastics and chemicals. Chemical recycling holds significant potential for scalability and complementing traditional recycling methods, offering a more comprehensive solution for tackling plastic pollution and advancing towards a circular economy.

Dissolution recycling is an innovative method for managing mixed plastics waste. This process selectively dissolves polymers in a solvent, allowing them to be separated from the waste stream and recovered in a pure form without altering their chemical composition. Dissolution recycling offers a targeted approach to separating plastics, such as PVC, PS, PA, and PP, from mixed, multi-material waste, facilitating their reuse in various applications. With several industrial examples already in existence, dissolution recycling demonstrates significant potential for enhancing plastic waste management and advancing sustainability efforts.

Organic recycling presents a sustainable solution for managing biodegradable plastics waste. This method involves controlled microbiological treatment of biodegradable plastics under either aerobic conditions (composting) or anaerobic conditions (bio gasification). Through the actions of microorganisms, biodegradable plastics are broken down into stabilized organic residues, carbon dioxide, and methane. Organic recycling offers an environmentally friendly approach to managing biodegradable plastics waste, reducing the burden on landfills and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. With its focus on harnessing natural processes, organic recycling contributes to the transition towards a more circular and environmentally sustainable economy.

The Plastiko, Inc. team can confidently help you select materials that meet the demanding requirements of your products. Whether it’s achieving optimal performance, ensuring safety and reliability, or meeting regulatory standards, rigorous testing plays a vital role in qualifying plastic resins for use in diverse applications. Ultimately, Plastiko, Inc. commitment of providing customers with top quality resins contributes to the production of your products will meet the needs and expectations of your customers.

Get in touch with Plastiko, Inc today to discuss your challenges and requirements for sourcing recycled resins: 314-558-6700 or visit our full website: https://plastikoinc.com/

Plastiko, Inc. Assist Plastic Molders with Sourcing and Manufacturing of Recycled Materials

Nanette on December 13, 2023

In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, companies that prioritize sustainability are paving the way for a greener future. Plastiko Inc. stands out as an example of such a company. Plastiko Inc. offers a range of recycled materials that not only meet the highest quality standards but also contribute significantly to reducing the environmental impact for their customers.

There are a variety of challenges and impacts that must be faced when using recycled material such as availability, quality, reliability of recycled materials, and a need to influence corporate decision makers to incorporate them into manufacturing processes. Here are some key challenges associated with sourcing recycled materials that Plastiko Inc. will help you overcome:

Inconsistent Supply:

Challenge: The availability of high-quality recycled materials may be inconsistent and subject to fluctuations in recycling rates, consumer behavior, and recycling infrastructure.

Impact: Manufacturers may face challenges in securing a stable and reliable supply of recycled materials, making it difficult to integrate them consistently into their production processes.

Contamination and Quality Issues:

Challenge: Recycled materials often contain impurities or contaminants from the original products, reducing their quality and limiting their applications.

Impact: Manufacturers may encounter difficulties in ensuring that the recycled materials meet the required quality standards, affecting the performance and characteristics of the final products.

Limited Material Variety:

Challenge: The range of recycled materials available may be limited, particularly in certain regions or industries.

Impact: Manufacturers seeking specific properties in their materials may face challenges if suitable recycled alternatives are not readily available, potentially limiting the scope of applications.

Competing Demand:

Challenge: There may be competition for recycled materials among different industries, leading to increased demand and potential shortages.

Impact: Manufacturers may face challenges in securing an adequate supply of recycled materials at competitive prices, especially if demand from other sectors is high.

Supply Chain Complexity:

Challenge: The supply chain for recycled materials can be complex, involving various stakeholders such as recyclers, collectors, and processors.

Impact: Managing a complex supply chain introduces challenges related to coordination, communication, and logistics, potentially leading to delays or disruptions in the availability of recycled materials.

Cost Considerations:

Challenge: While using recycled materials aligns with sustainability goals, the cost of collecting, sorting, and processing recycled materials can be higher than using virgin materials.

Impact: Manufacturers may face increased production costs when sourcing recycled materials, and the economic viability of incorporating recycled content into products may be a consideration.

Regulatory and Certification Requirements:

Challenge: Compliance with regulatory standards and certifications for recycled materials can be complex and vary across regions.

Impact: Manufacturers may need to invest in understanding and meeting these standards, potentially adding to the complexity and cost of incorporating recycled materials into their products.

Education and Awareness:

Challenge: Lack of awareness or understanding about the benefits and processes of using recycled materials may hinder their adoption.

Impact: Manufacturers may need to invest in educational efforts to inform suppliers, consumers, and other stakeholders about the advantages of recycled materials and how they can be responsibly sourced and utilized.

Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort across the supply chain, involving recyclers, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers. Yet, you will find that purchasing recycled materials from Plastiko Inc. is a win-win situation as we have the experience and resources to assist plastic molders to overcome these challenges…proving that eco-friendly choices can indeed be synonymous with quality and innovation. To learn more visit: https://plastikoinc.com/contact/ or call us: 314-558-6700.