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Why Polyethylene Producers Are Embracing Plastic Recycling?
Plastic producer’s perspective toward recycling has evolved over the past two decades. In-house plastic recycling, also known as post-industrial recycling, was considered a practice that could be easily done by outsourcing waste to recycling compounds. Hence, it was easy for producers to rethink buying a new plastic recycling machine. That idea has drastically changed in less than ten years.
Growing concerns about plastic pollution and its environmental impact have guided global authorities to apply stricter policies on sustainability and circular economy principles. What was once considered optional has now become a necessity.
Polyethylene is the most commonly used plastic polymer for varied applications, such as plastic bags, HDPE bottles, and plastic films. Due to their popularity, polyethylene production was one of the first industries to face these changes. But, how have these new challenges affected polyethylene producers?
Global Trends and Regulations
Authorities are constantly proposing new laws and policies to plastic producers aiming to limit their plastic waste. Several customers have contacted POLYSTAR because they are looking for a recycling machine to process their internal plastic waste. They mentioned that new regulations have been applied and that they must achieve a recycling percentage before a specific year.
For instance, some South American clients have expressed they are looking for a recycling machine since their products must contain at least 30% recycled post-consumer pellets before 2030. These regulatory pressures make them actively seek solutions to reduce waste and environmental footprint.
Case Study: Plasticonsumo
So far, one of the markets that have made outstanding progress with these regulations is Ecuador, and POLYSTAR has been part of it. Plasticonsumo is an Ecuadorian bag producer who has worked with POLYSTAR for many years. By implementing POLYSTAR high-efficiency recycling machines and blown-film machines that can produce plastic film with recycled pellets, Plasticonsumo now utilizes up to 100% recycled materials in its polyethylene bag production. The Ecuadorian company not only complies with the policy but also has benefited from cost reduction.
Even though it sounds like producers are being forced to recycle, they now perceive recycling as a strategy to optimize their production and economic strategies, bringing profitable solutions to their businesses. A perfect example of this is Plasticonsumo, who, through recycling, emphasized the importance of high-quality recycling machinery for achieving success in the circular economy.
Post-Industrial Recycling: A Profitable Strategy
As mentioned before, recycling perspectives have evolved throughout time. Once plastic producers started implementing recycling machinery within their factories, they benefited right away. By eliminating outsourcing, producers can cut costs and have better quality control when handling plastic waste, such as using additives and masterbatches on their recycled pellets for future applications.
Acquiring a higher-quality plastic recycling machine offers producers several benefits, such as cutting labor costs, space efficiency, and minimizing energy consumption compared to traditional models. If well maintained, plastic recycling machines can last for many years, making them a long-term solution for every plastic producer.
__24K01sUWkB.png "Recycling internal waste is a profitable strategy for many plastic producers")
An Indonesian polyethylene and polypropylene bag producer currently operates seven POLYSTAR recycling machines to process nearly 1,000 tons of post-industrial waste per month. In an interview, the company's production manager mentioned the advantages of purchasing a high-quality plastic recycling machine:
"We fell in love with the compact design of the POLYSTAR line at first sight. The machine looked robust and the design was simple and user-friendly. High and stable output and superior pellet quality are the reasons why we've continued to work with POLYSTAR."
Mr. Hendrix, Production Manager of the Indonesia-based Plastic Bag Producers
POLYSTAR PE's Recycling Solutions
POLYSTAR has focused on plastic extrusion for recycling and blown-film applications for almost forty years, providing user-friendly machinery to handle polyethylene plastic waste and production. Through re-engineering and customer feedback, POLYSTAR has specialized in designing plastic recycling machines for polyethylene processing!
Before recycling, plastic producers and recyclers must be aware that, as mentioned earlier, polyethylene comes in several shapes and forms since it is the most used plastic polymer. Therefore, they must identify the shape, origin, and percentage of printed surface of their waste before recycling it. Producers and recyclers can choose the appropriate recycling machinery to optimize their operations by understanding these specific characteristics.
POLYSTAR offers a comprehensive range of recycling solutions to meet each customer's unique needs. Below is a table summarizing which machine can recycle what type of plastic waste (shape and origin).
| Model | Plastic Waste Shape | Origin |
|
Plastic Film Recycling Machine |
Plastic Film, film scrap, bags, bags cut-offs, film-on-rolls, etc.(Printed/Non-printed) |
Post-industrial (factory waste) |
|
|
Washed and dried plastic flakes, multilayer film, plastic film, and scrap | Post-consumer waste |
|
|
Plastic lumps or bulks, PE bottles, jumbo bags, woven/non-woven bags, raffia, stretch film rolls | Best for Post-industrial (factory waste) |
|
Hard Plastic Recycling Machine |
Hard plastic regrinds, fluffy flakes, washed material, scrap | Post-Industrial & Washed and Dried Post-Consumer waste |
|
|
Plastic Film, film scrap, bags, bags cut-offs, film-on-rolls | Post Industrial Waste - Clean factory waste with no printing |
About the Author
Kevin Umanzor
International SalesKevin advises plastic producers to adopt a circular economy by implementing innovative POLYSTAR machinery. Driven by a commitment to providing the best possible solutions to his clients, Kevin is committed to broadening his learning process by interacting with diverse markets across the globe.