Plastic Recycling

Plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives due to its versatility and low cost of production. However, rampant plastic use has led to a staggering amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. It is high time that viable plastic recycling solutions are adopted to curb this problem.

Creating recycled plastic granules

One of the most effective ways of recycling plastic waste is by converting it into plastic granules. The plastic recycling process starts with collection of used plastic items like carry bags, containers, bottles etc. These plastics are then sorted based on their resin identification codes. Next, the plastics go through cleaning, shredding and grinding processes to break them down into smaller plastic flakes. These flakes are then washed, dried and melted in an extruder. As the plastic melts, it is forced through a die-face to create plastic pellets or granules.

Uses of recycled plastic granules

The recycled plastic granules have numerous applications:

New plastic products: The Recycled Plastic Granules can be used to manufacture a variety of new plastic products like trash cans, pallets, floor tiles, pipe fittings, hangers, packaging materials, and more with the help of injection and blow molding processes.

Refund of plastic tax: In several countries, plastic manufacturers are levied with plastic pollution taxes for using virgin plastics in production. Using RPG helps manufacturers claim refunds and save costs.

Construction materials: Recycled plastic is mixed with bitumen to manufacture paving tiles and blocks that are lighter and more durable than conventional ones. It is also used in fencing, piping and insulating materials.

Landscaping: Granules are blended with soil, rubber or wood fibers to create non-wood decking materials, garden edges, park and playground surfaces that are slip-resistant and weatherproof.

Benefits of using recycled plastic granules

Apart from helping reduce plastic waste, using RPG in manufacturing provides several environmental and economic advantages:

Conserves natural resources: It cuts down the dependency on petroleum-based virgin plastics extracted from finite natural resources. One ton of recycled plastic saves 1.4 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Reduces energy needs: Producing goods from recycled plastics requires around 35% less energy compared to virgin plastic production. This lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Saves landfill space: With rising plastic waste, landfills are filling up fast. Recycling plastics diverts them from landfills and incinerators, extending their life.

Cost-effective alternative: Recycled plastic granules are often cheaper than virgin plastic resins for manufacturers. This makes recycled plastic products affordable for consumers too.


Challenges in plastic recycling

While plastic recycling has huge potential, it still faces issues like:

Contamination of recyclables: Used plastics collected for recycling contain food residues and other non-plastic contaminants that affect quality of recycled plastic. This leads to increased processing costs.

Lack of post-consumer plastic collection infrastructure: Developing robust waste collection programs is crucial for steady supply of quality plastic recyclables but remains a challenge especially in developing nations.

Consumer behavior: Unless people are mindful about segregating plastics and disposing them responsibly, the recycling rate will be low. More awareness drives are needed.

Restricted ends: Demand for recycled plastics is still limited. Incentivizing use of recycled content in packaging and construction could boost uptake.

To utilizing RPG presents a favorable solution to reduce our dependency on virgin plastics and tackle the plastic waste problem in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. With continuous efforts towards addressing existing challenges, plastic recycling can be scaled up significantly to achieve a more circular economy.

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Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.

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