Recycled Plastic: Yes, But From What?

21 Aug 2024world of plastics

In our world, it’s easy to say “recycled”, yet there are various possibilities when it comes to plastics that can be recycled. In this sense, we are not only referring to the type of polymer but also to the life cycle of plastics that can undergo a reuse process.

The main difference concerns two major categories: pre-consumer plastics and post-consumer plastics. These differ both in certain characteristics and in the recycling process. At Utilplastic, we set no limits and are capable of creating “eco-friendly household items” from both types of plastic.

What Are Pre-Consumer Plastics?

Pre-consumer plastic comes from production scraps, trimmings, process waste, or defective products generated during the production of plastic materials or finished products in industries. These plastics can include raw materials of various types, from granules to semi-finished products, including films and sheets.

Industrial plastics can be transformed into a wide range of finished products through processing methods such as injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, and other transformation processes.

Since industrial plastic has never been used by consumers, it usually presents less contamination compared to post-consumer plastics. Additionally, it is a more homogeneous type of plastic in composition.

These characteristics make the recycling process easier and more straightforward, potentially requiring fewer preliminary treatments.

What Are Post-Consumer Plastics?

In contrast, post-consumer plastic is used by consumers and then disposed of through recycling or other waste management and disposal methods. These plastics come from products used in everyday activities, such as bottles, food containers, packaging, and so on.

The recycling process for post-consumer plastics involves transforming the used plastics into new plastic materials or other products. However, the resulting raw material is not as homogeneous as that from industrial waste. It is the so-called Plasmix, a mix of plastics from separate collection that needs to be granulated and homogenized for reuse.

In the past, the search for the perfect compound was a real challenge, but today Plasmix is a proven quality material that can be processed through plastic molding. The recycling of post-consumer plastics therefore involves more research and innovation. Most importantly, it allows plastic waste, otherwise destined for landfills or incineration, to be reintroduced into production.

This reduces soil, water, and air pollution. Additionally, recycling post-consumer plastics limits the use of virgin raw materials, i.e., oil, essential for producing traditional plastic.

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