INDUSTRY GOALS AROUND RECYCLING

THE ROTATIONAL MOULDING INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND INTEND TO BE USING 3600T OF RECYCLED MATERIAL BY 2025!

RECYCLING IN THE PACIFIC

CAN YOU RECYCLING PLASTIC TANKS?

RECYCLING POLYETHYLENE

RECYCLING RESEARCH PROJECT

The materials are widely recycled using technology available around the world. While most of the recycled material goes into the blow moulding industry more and more products are being developed to put rotational moulding material back into rotationally moulded (or molded) products such as water systems bunding pallets cattle troughs and other “non potable” applications.

These classifications of the material are very important for recycling so they can be classified in the right density range and used appropriately in different applications.  The majority of rotational molding resins is in a density range of 0.933 g/cc to 0.945 g/cc which puts them in the classifications of MDPE and HDPE.  The majority of blow molding recycle is in the range of 0.940 to 0.960 g/cc with a fractional melt index.  It is very easy to blend roto grades into blow molding grades; however the reverse is not so easy and can lead to very poor performance.

The density classifications are (ASTM 4976) g/cc

• Ultra-Low Density    ULDPE   < 0.910

• Low Density             LDPE    > 0.910 – 0.925 (also LLDPE, low pressure)

• Medium Density      MDPE    > 0.925 – 0.940

• High Density             HDPE    > 0.940 – 0.960

• High Density             HDPE    > 0.960

The Recycling Process

Put simply the recycling process involves factory scrap or products which have been in the environment and have broken down being cut up into manageable pieces which are ground down into even smaller pieces (shown below as recycled granulate). These pieces are then melted new UV stabilizers or other chemicals and colorants are added and then the material is pelletized for use in blow moulding film making or injection moulding or ground into the fine powder required for rotational moulding (molding).

Recycled Materials Are Widely Available

An extensive range of plastic resin grades colours and quantities both prime and recycles in either granules or rotational moulding (molding) powders can currently be provided.

Using recycled resin is both environmentally and economically responsible. Recycled resins generally cost only 60% as much as prime resin. Grades commonly offered include HDPE LDPE MDPE LLDPE PP GPPS. HIPS and ABS. Supplied in multicolour black and natural (limited) in 25kg or bulk bags. Providers can also provide resins with specific additives e.g. antioxidants UV stabilizers process aids and colourants to customer specification.

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