Recycled Polymer
Post consumer resin recovered from waste streams and reprocessed into new plastic pellets allows for the creation of sustainable circular packaging. Manufacturers use rhdpe as a sustainable alternative to virgin plastic for bottles, containers, crates and heavy duty packaging. The mechanical properties of the material depend on the purity of the waste stream and the effectiveness of the washing process.
Material Quality
Sorting by colour and density is required to maintain the consistent melt flow and impact strength needed for blow moulding. Small amounts of contamination in rhdpe can lead to defects such as gels or black spots in the finished product. To overcome these issues, the recycled resin is often blended with a portion of virgin material.
Sustainability Impact
Using this material reduces the demand for fossil based feedstocks and diverts plastic waste from landfills. Global brands increasingly specify rhdpe in their packaging to meet voluntary recycling targets and mandatory recycled content laws. The carbon footprint of the resulting container is typically lower than one made from entirely new plastic.
This transition to recycled resin is a major component of modern environmental policy for consumer goods which seek to reduce the overall impact of the plastic industry.
