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How to Recycle Polypropylene Bags (Woven bags, Bulk bags, etc.)?
"PP bags" is a collective name for a variety of bags made of Polypropylene (PP). Their structure, texture, and properties vary depending on their manufacturing methods, which include single-layer or multi-layer co-extrusion, woven, and non-woven techniques.
- Read more: What is Polypropylene and its applications? - Blog
In this article, we will focus on the complete life cycle of PP woven bags, from their initial production to recycling, to uncover the environmental impacts and potential benefits associated with the entire journey.
PP woven bag manufacturing steps
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Extrusion and Taping
PP virgin resins ( or recycled pellets) along with additives, melt and stretch into flat tapes, which are then cooled and wound into rolls. -
Weaving & Winding
The PP tapes will go through a weaving machine which interweaves the fabric together and then winds it into woven rolls. -
Coating & Printing
Customize PP woven rolls with printed designs or logos. The coating prevents moisture from getting in and contents from leaking out. -
Cutting and Sewing
Cut the bags to the desired size and shape, followed by sewing the sides, and make sure they are strong enough to withstand the weight of the contents.
PP woven bag recycling steps
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Collecting & sorting
Gather PP woven bags from factories or waste programs, and sort out the undesired waste. -
Cutting
Decrease the size of the PP woven bags for enhanced washing and drying convenience. -
Washing & drying
Remove the major impurities and reduce the moisture content to 3~5%. -
Pelletizing
Employ mechanical recycling techniques, including extrusion
Impacts & Benefits
In general, the production of PP woven bags tends to consume more energy, resulting in a higher carbon footprint and resource utilization compared to recycling processes. On the other hand, PP woven bag recycling transforms waste into reusable resources, preserving energy, and natural resources, and causing fewer carbon emissions. The positive impacts of recycling are readily apparent.
How to reduce the environmental impact of PP woven bag manufacturing?
Prolonging the lifespan and establishing a circular life cycle for plastics stand out as highly effective strategies to minimize carbon footprint, energy consumption, and landfill waste. Typically, both consumers and producers of PP woven bags contribute to this effort by:
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Reusing old PP woven bags
Since woven bags are cost-effective, light in weight, and resistant to tear and humidity, PP woven bags are found in various industries. For instance, they are employed in agriculture for storing items like rice, flour, and seeds, as well as in construction for material and debris storage.
These bags, including sacks or FIBCs, are 100% reusable and recyclable. If there are no significant damages, they can be economically and sustainably reused even after the initial consumption.
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Recycling PP woven bags
However, if the PP woven bags reach the end of their functional life, they should be collected, recycled, and reprocessed to new PP products. Whether you're a producer or recycler, pelletizing is the most effective way to recycle PP woven bags.
PP woven bag recycling
Recycling here refers to pelletizing PP woven bags, turning both post-industrial and post-consumer PP woven bags into valuable PP recycled pellets. Through mechanical recycling, PP woven bags are able to enter a life circle and the industries strive with sustainability.
Tips (1): For post-consumer PP woven bags, a thorough washing and drying process is essential before proceeding to extrusion and pelletization stages.
Tip (2): When utilizing a Cutter-compactor type plastic recycling machine, it is suggested to pre-crush PP woven bags before the recycling process.
Tip (3): Remove the unwanted elements such as nylon straps or labels that could affect the quality of the final pellets.
(Pre-crushed PP woven bags)
Shredder Integrated PP Woven Bag Pelletizer (Post-industrial Waste)
Cutter Compactor Plastic Recycling Machine (Post-industrial Waste)
Two-stage Cutter Compactor Plastic Pelletizer (Heavily-printed & Post-consumer Waste)
Conclusion
Polypropylene bags including woven bags are widely manufactured, sold, and consumed. It is easy to find PP bag waste in factories and on different occasions. Fortunately, PP bags are highly reusable and recyclable, can either be reused repeatedly or pelletized into recycled pellets. If you are interested in recycling PP bags, assess the condition of your PP waste and select a suitable recycling machine. If you require recommendations, feel free to contact us.
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About the Author
Janine Cheng
Marketing AssistantJanine creates engaging content for POLYSTAR’s social media presence, including keeping social media channels updated and brand-focused and seeking ways of connecting with plastic producers and recyclers.