Plastic Recycling: 5 Things You Need to Know - Lavergne Group

Innovating, creating, and buying products made of recycled materials is essential to reducing our environmental footprint. It’s also an important part of moving towards a “Closed Loop process” where plastics are created, used, then recycled for use in new products.

With competitive price and timely delivery, EcoPlas sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

As we move towards a more sustainable world, it’s important to understand the ins-and-outs of plastic recycling.

Here are 5 things you need to know about recycling plastics.

1. Labels can help you understand plastics

Labels and symbols can help you understand whether a product is made of recycled material or is recyclable. Here are some important things to understand when looking at labels.

First, you’ll often see the recycling symbol — the three chasing arrows — with a number on it. That number is the Plastic Resin Identification Code, telling you what type of plastic is in the product.

• “1” signifies Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) — the most common component in plastic drink bottles
• “2” signifies High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) — used in products like milk containers, oil containers, shampoo bottles, etc.
• “3” signifies Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) — used in pipes, siding, flooring etc.
• “4” signifies Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) — used in plastic bags, six-pack rings, tubing etc.
• “5” signifies Polypropylene (PP) — auto parts, industrial fibres, food containers etc.
• “6” signifies Polystyrene (PS) — used in plastic utensils, Styrofoam, cafeteria trays etc.
• “7” signifies other plastics such as acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate and polylactic acid (PLA)

While the Plastic Resin Identification Code tells you the plastic types, it doesn’t tell you whether it’s recycled. Even if the number is within the recycling symbol! In fact, National Geographic estimates that more than 90 percent of all plastics are never recycled!

Second, ecolabels are granted to products that meet certain sustainability benchmarks. For example, the US Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is an ecolabel that certifies a product has been made using post-consumer recycled plastic, responsible end-of-life management is offered, and energy efficiency practices. Another ecolabel is the UL validation, which acknowledges a product’s post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and the efficacy of its closed-loop process.

2. Recycle Your E-Waste

As the world becomes digitally interconnected and mobile devices continue proliferating, there’s an increasing problem of what to do with that electronic waste or “e-waste” at end-of-use.

From old smartphones to computers and mice, e-waste is now the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In , the World Economic Forum estimated the e-waste stream had reached 48.5 million tonnes.

Consumers can play their part in closing the loop by making plastic-conscious buying decisions and choosing to recycle their e-waste.

Many communities have e-waste drop off sites where old technology is disassembled and repurposed. If these facilities do not exist near you and the product is still functional, consider donating the technology to those in need.

3. Biodegradable Plastic Often Requires Industrial Composting

Biodegradable plastics are usually made from plants such as bamboo or sugarcane rather than fossil fuels. They are designed to break up when exposed to microorganisms and follow rigorously controlled conditions of temperature and humidity in industrial environments.

However, you should know that ‘biodegradable’ plastics do not naturally compost. In order to decompose, these plastics must go through a recycling process where anaerobic digesters break down the material in a highly-controlled environment. Many local recycling facilities do not possess the technology to do this.

We’re a long way from throwing bio plastics in the household compost pile to decompose, but we can ensure bio plastics make it to an industrial compost facility or simply make conscious buying decisions to minimize our plastic usage.

4. Saying Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics

Canada is moving towards banning single-use plastics in and beyond.

Canada’s legislation aims to eliminate plastic products that are designed to be used once, then disposed of.

Once enacted, Canada will join the over 35 nations across the world that have already banned single-use plastics, including the UK, France, and Italy.

Single-use plastics make up most of the plastic litter found in Canadian freshwater, which then breaks down to create hazardous microplastics.

From bringing travel utensils with you, to skipping on a straw, consumers can help minimize their single-use plastic intake to further reduce their environmental footprint.

5. Circular Economies are the Future

The circular economy model is a sustainable alternative where materials are recycled and then repurposed at the end of their life, rather than disposed of.

A circular economy doesn’t happen by accident. It’s designed intentionally, per the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a circular economy builds on three principles:

• Designing out waste and pollution
• Keeping products and materials in use
• Regenerating natural systems

Lavergne’s goal is to move closer to “Infinite Recycling” — a pure Closed Loop process — where products made with recycled plastics are recycled so they’ll live again as raw material in new products.

It’s More than Recycling

At Lavergne, we’re not only recycling — we’re continually developing new ways to make new plastics using old plastics. We believe the world has already created enough plastics to meet all our future needs.

recycled pp granulesd to Know Before Purchasing Recycled PP Granules

Recycled polypropylene (PP) granules are increasingly used in various industries due to their environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness.

However, there are several critical factors you should consider before making a purchase.

This article will fully discuss 5 important factors such as processing conditions and the cost effectiveness of using recycled PP plastic pellets. Let's just discuss it.

1. Quality and Purity

The quality and purity of recycled polypropylene (PP) granules are paramount for ensuring their performance and suitability for various applications. Several factors influence these attributes:

- Contaminants

Recycled PP can contain various contaminants such as other polymers, metals, or organic materials that can adversely affect its properties.

These contaminants can originate from the original product or be introduced during the recycling process​​.

- Testing and Certification

Reliable suppliers should provide testing results and certification indicating the purity levels of their recycled PP granules.

Common tests include Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which can identify and quantify contaminants and verify material composition​​.

- Odor and Color

Residual contaminants can also affect the odor and color of recycled PP granules. For applications where aesthetics and sensory attributes are crucial, ensuring minimal contamination is essential.

Methods such as decontamination extrusion processes help in reducing these residuals​​.

- Regulatory Compliance

Recycled PP granules should comply with regulatory standards, especially for applications involving food contact, medical devices, or children's products.

Standards such as FDA or EU regulations provide guidelines on acceptable levels of contaminants and the necessary purity standards​​.

2. Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of recycled PP can differ from those of virgin PP due to degradation during the recycling process and the presence of impurities. Key mechanical properties to consider include:

- Tensile Strength

This measures the material's resistance to breaking under tension. Recycled PP may exhibit lower tensile strength due to the degradation of polymer chains during the recycling process.

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Testing through standardized methods like ASTM D638 can help determine the tensile properties​​.

- Impact Resistance

The ability of the material to absorb energy and resist impacts is crucial for applications subject to mechanical stress.

Recycled PP often has reduced impact resistance, which can be mitigated by blending with other polymers or additives to enhance toughness​​.

- Flexibility and Elasticity

The flexibility and elasticity of recycled PP can be compromised if the material undergoes significant thermal and mechanical stress during recycling.

These properties can be assessed using flexural tests such as ASTM D790​​.

- Consistency in Properties

The mechanical properties of recycled PP can vary between batches due to differences in the feedstock and recycling process.

Consistency is crucial for applications requiring precise and reliable material performance. Ensuring a uniform feedstock and controlled recycling conditions can help maintain consistency​​.

3. Processing Conditions

Recycled polypropylene (PP) granules require specific processing conditions to optimize their performance and ensure the final product meets the desired specifications. Here are key aspects to consider:

Temperature Control

Recycled PP often has a narrower processing temperature window compared to virgin PP due to the presence of contaminants and the thermal history of the material. Precise control of processing temperatures is critical:

- Melting Temperature: The melting temperature of recycled PP can be slightly lower or have a broader range due to impurities. Typically, the melting temperature ranges from 160°C to 170°C.

It is important to monitor and adjust the melting temperature to prevent thermal degradation, which can compromise mechanical properties and product quality​​.

- Extrusion Temperature Profile: Establishing an optimal temperature profile along the extruder is crucial. Different zones in the extruder should be set to specific temperatures to ensure proper melting, mixing, and homogenization of the recycled PP granules.

For example, the feed zone might be set at 160°C, the compression zone at 180°C, and the metering zone at 200°C​​.

Screw Speed and Pressure

The screw speed and pressure settings during extrusion or injection molding significantly impact the quality of the recycled PP product:

- Screw Speed: Too high a screw speed can cause excessive shear and overheating, leading to degradation. Conversely, too low a screw speed may result in poor mixing and homogenization.

An optimal screw speed, usually between 50 to 100 RPM, should be maintained based on the specific formulation and machinery used​​.

- Pressure: Maintaining appropriate pressure throughout the process ensures consistent flow and proper compaction of the material.

Variations in pressure can lead to defects such as voids, inconsistent dimensions, and poor surface finish.

Monitoring and adjusting the pressure settings can help in achieving a high-quality end product​.

Additives and Compounding

Recycled PP often requires the addition of stabilizers, compatibilizers, and other additives to enhance its properties and processability:

- Stabilizers: Heat and UV stabilizers can be added to improve the thermal and oxidative stability of recycled PP, extending its lifespan and performance under various conditions​​.

- Compatibilizers: To improve the interaction between PP and other materials (e.g., fillers or blended polymers), compatibilizers such as maleic anhydride-grafted PP can be used.

This enhances the mechanical properties and stability of the composite material​​.

Drying

Moisture content in recycled PP granules can lead to defects such as bubbles and poor surface finish in the final product. Pre-drying the granules is essential:

- Drying Conditions: Recycled PP should be dried at 80°C to 100°C for 2-4 hours before processing. Proper drying ensures the removal of moisture and reduces the risk of hydrolytic degradation during processing​​.

Equipment Compatibility

The machinery used for processing recycled PP needs to be compatible with the specific requirements of the material:

- Screw Design: A screw with appropriate design features, such as mixing zones and barrier flights, can enhance the homogenization and quality of the recycled PP melt​​.

- Tooling and Molds: Molds and tooling should be designed to accommodate the flow characteristics and shrinkage behavior of recycled PP. Proper design helps in achieving accurate dimensions and surface finish in the final product​.

4. Supply Consistency

Consistency in the supply of recycled PP granules is crucial for maintaining production schedules and ensuring the quality of your final products.

Evaluating a supplier's ability to provide a steady supply of material with consistent properties involves assessing their recycling capacity, raw material sourcing, and quality control measures.

5. Cost-effectiveness

While recycled PP is generally more cost-effective than virgin PP, it’s important to consider the total cost, including any additional processing costs or quality control measures that may be required.

Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to ensure that the use of recycled PP granules aligns with your budget and production goals​​.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing recycled PP granules, ensuring they meet your quality standards and sustainability goals.

Conclusion :

- When purchasing recycled polypropylene (PP) granules, you need to carefully consider factors such as quality, purity, mechanical properties, and processing conditions.

- Ensuring minimal contaminants and suitable mechanical properties through rigorous testing is crucial.

- Understanding the specific processing needs, such as temperature control and screw speed, helps optimize manufacturing.

- Supply consistency is vital for maintaining your production schedules and product quality.

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