Sustainability

There is a growing awareness of the need to protect our planet for future generations. Sustainable development focuses on improving the economic, social, and environmental aspects of our communities. Plastics continuously adapt to society’s needs, contributing to a more sustainable world through innovations in products, systems, and technologies.

The ARMA Environment Group is working hard to expand the abilities of producing products using recycled materials. Currently, the majority of the products made by our industry are already recycled and research is being implemented on how to develop products using the waste of other processes.

Image above: It was wonderful to see ARMA members participating in the Melbourne Nurdle Hunt 2023 organised by Tangaroa Blue.

Recycling

Rotational moulding materials are widely recycled using technology available globally. While most recycled material goes into the blow moulding industry, more products are being developed to reintroduce rotational moulding material into rotationally moulded products such as water systems, bunding, pallets, cattle troughs, and other non-potable applications.

Classifying materials correctly is crucial for recycling, ensuring they are used appropriately in different applications. Most rotational moulding resins fall within a density range of 0.933 g/cc to 0.945 g/cc, classifying them as MDPE and HDPE. Blow moulding recycle typically ranges from 0.940 to 0.960 g/cc with a fractional melt index. While it’s easy to blend roto grades into blow moulding grades, the reverse can lead to poor performance.

Density Classifications (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

The recycling process involves cutting factory scrap or broken-down products into manageable pieces, which are then ground into smaller granules. These pieces are melted, with new UV stabilizers, chemicals, and colorants added, and then pelletized for use in blow moulding, film making, or injection moulding. Alternatively, they are ground into the fine powder required for rotational moulding.

Operation Clean Sweep

Making Zero Pellet Loss Our Goal

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) introduced the Operation Clean Sweep® program in the USA in 1992. Since then, it has been successfully implemented in over 22 jurisdictions, including Europe, New Zealand, and Canada. The message is simple: Resin pellets should be contained, reclaimed, and properly disposed of.

Operation Clean Sweep® aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a global call to action for all countries—poor, rich, and middle-income—to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognise that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that foster economic growth and address social needs such as education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, all while tackling climate change and ensuring environmental protection.

ARMA is an active partner of the Operation Clean Sweep program in Australia and collaborates with Plastics New Zealand to extend the program in that region. We actively promote the program within our industry, with more members pledging their commitment over time.

The entry of plastic feedstock into our waterways is devastating, and we support the work of each state’s Environment Protection Agencies by ensuring their information is available and promoted within the rotational moulding community. You can find more information from the NSW EPA here and the VIC EPA here, as well as the National Plastics Plan.

To demonstrate our commitment to a clean environment and zero pellet loss, we urge all our members and supporters to take the pledge. Below are those already "Clean Sweep Verified":