Purchasing Recycled Plastics: A Guide To Buying Sustainably

how to purchase recycled plastics

The use of recycled plastic has a positive impact on consumer purchasing decisions. Developers and producers should focus on the availability, selection, and labeling of recycled plastic products. Consumers are generally satisfied with products made from recycled plastics and would purchase them again. Recycled plastics are derived from post-industrial and post-production waste, and companies like Vanden and PlastiCycle are leading the way in buying and selling scrap plastic. These companies have strict processes in place to ensure the quality and ethical sourcing of their recycled plastics.

Characteristics Values
Recycled plastic suppliers PlastiCycle, Vanden Recycling
Recycled plastic types Regrinds, pellets, post-consumer clean regrind, post-industrial plastic, PE, PP, PET, PS, Nylon, PE/PA, TPE, TPO, PC/ABS, PE100
Recycled plastic sources Industrial plastic scrap, post-industrial waste, post-production waste
Supplier locations US (PlastiCycle), UK (Vanden Recycling)
Supplier contact Phone, online form, email
Supplier processes Strict processes, quality control, ethical and accountable, segregation, storage, and handling advice
Consumer preferences Availability, product selection, and labeling
Consumer satisfaction 93% of consumers are satisfied and would buy again, 86% positively affected purchase decisions

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Companies like PlastiCycle and Vanden Recycling sell recycled plastic

Vanden Recycling also sells quality plastic that is suitable to re-enter the supply chain. Their UK plastic recycling facility features state-of-the-art technology and lines dedicated to specific polymers. Their internal processes and quality control checks ensure that their reprocessed material is clean and free from contaminants and barrier layers. Vanden buys scrap plastic from a range of industries, before reprocessing and granulating the material to be sold on. They work with businesses across a range of industries, buying scrap plastic to be reprocessed at their UK facility. Vanden builds partnerships with suppliers, advising them on the segregation, storage, and handling of the material to ensure they are maximising the value of their plastic scrap.

PlastiCycle has offices in Nashville, TN; Franklin, KY; and White Plains, NY, and customers can call or fill out a form to learn about pricing and availability. Similarly, customers can get in touch with Vanden to learn more about their recycled plastic offering.

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Recycled plastic can be derived from industrial plastic scrap

There are several companies that can help you purchase recycled plastics derived from industrial plastic scrap. For example, PlastiCycle generates a variety of plastic regrinds and plastic pellets that are recycled from industrial plastic scrap. They purchase scrap from manufacturers and recycle this plastic into pellets, which can then be reused in the manufacturing process. Seraphim Plastics is another company that purchases industrial plastic scrap and turns it into clean industrial plastic regrind. They acquire large industrial quantities of plastic scrap from plastic production facilities, warehouses, and plant manufacturers.

If you are a company with plastic scrap, you can sell it to recyclers like PlastiCycle and Seraphim Plastics, who will then recycle it into new products. This not only helps reduce waste but can also increase profitability by converting your plastic scrap into a valuable resource. Additionally, by increasing the amount of recycled plastic available, you can help control plastic pricing and make it more affordable for manufacturers to use recycled plastic in their products.

PlastiCycle has several locations in the United States, including Nashville, Tennessee; Franklin, Kentucky; and White Plains, New York. You can contact them by calling or filling out a form on their website to inquire about purchasing their recycled plastic products. Seraphim Plastics is based in Tennessee but also has operations in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio. They can be contacted through their website to discuss purchasing or selling plastic scrap.

When selling plastic scrap, it is important to prepare, clean, and package the material properly, which may impact the cost. Some companies may require a photo of the scrap plastic to provide a quote. Overall, by choosing to recycle or sell your industrial scrap plastic, you can contribute to waste reduction and support the creation of valuable recycled plastic products.

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Recycled plastic is in demand due to consumer preference

The demand for recycled plastic is increasing due to consumer preference. Consumers have a positive attitude towards products made from recycled materials, and this preference is reflected in their purchasing decisions. A survey conducted in Finland revealed that 93% of consumers of recycled plastic applications were satisfied with the products and would buy them again. Moreover, 86% of consumers stated that the use of recycled plastic positively influenced their purchase decisions. This trend is particularly noticeable among females, younger people, those who recycle regularly, and those who are environmentally conscious.

The preference for recycled plastic is driven by several factors. Firstly, consumers perceive environmental benefits as an important aspect of their purchasing decisions. By choosing recycled plastic products, consumers feel they are contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. Additionally, the perceived quality of recycled plastic products plays a role in consumer preference. Consumers believe that products made from recycled plastic are of comparable quality to those made from virgin materials.

Another factor influencing consumer preference for recycled plastic is the safety aspect. While there have been concerns about the potential health risks associated with plastic materials, including recycled plastic, regulatory agencies have characterized the risk of acute exposure to toxic contaminants as extremely low. This is because the recycling process effectively removes chemical residues, resulting in safe and usable recycled polymers. However, to address these concerns effectively, experts advocate for greater transparency within the industry regarding additives and resin composition.

The demand for recycled plastic is not limited to a specific type of consumer. Both individual consumers and businesses are seeking more sustainable options. For example, companies like PlastiCycle are purchasing industrial plastic scrap, recycling it into pellets, and then selling it back to manufacturers. This recycled material can be mixed with virgin resin, helping manufacturers lower production costs while also incorporating recycled content into their products. This creates a circular economy, reducing the environmental impact of plastic while still meeting consumer demands for high-quality products.

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Recycled plastic can be sold by manufacturers and suppliers

To sell recycled plastic effectively, manufacturers and suppliers can take several steps. Firstly, they can ensure they are collecting and sorting plastic waste properly, maximizing the value of their scrap. This includes segregating, storing, and handling the material correctly. Additionally, they can work with dedicated teams, such as the one at Vanden Recycling, which deals with everything from start to finish, including site visits, sample testing, paperwork, and transport. Quick collections, reliable payments, and efficient processes can also help ensure a smooth selling experience.

It is important to note that the market for recycled plastic is complex due to varying local recycling options and the different types of plastics involved. This complexity is further compounded by the toxic additives and contaminants often found in post-consumer plastic. However, with increasing public awareness and legislation, such as the EU's upcoming requirement for companies to use recycled plastic in their manufacturing, the demand for recycled plastic is expected to grow.

Overall, manufacturers and suppliers have several options for selling recycled plastic, including online marketplaces and dedicated recycling companies. By taking advantage of these platforms and following recommended practices for handling and partnering with experts, they can successfully navigate this complex market and contribute to building a more sustainable economy.

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Recycled plastic must be clean and free from contaminants

When purchasing recycled plastics, it is essential to ensure that the material is clean and free from contaminants. Contaminants can include glass, small metals, paper, and other plastics. These impurities can impact the quality of the final recycled product and may also cause issues during the recycling process, such as damaging machinery or injuring workers.

To ensure the recycled plastic is contaminant-free, it undergoes a rigorous cleaning and decontamination process. This process varies depending on the type of plastic and its intended application. For example, plastic bottles (PET) are typically washed in hot water to remove labels, dirt, and other general impurities. They may also undergo specific processes to remove paper or metals. On the other hand, detergent bottles often require mechanical cleaning to ensure the removal of all contamination.

In cases of highly contaminated materials, such as removing adhesives from labels or meeting food-grade standards, additional washing stages are necessary. This may involve using a continuous PET hot washer, followed by a friction washer and a sink-float tank for separating different types of plastics. For food-contact packaging, a decontamination process using vacuum and heat under low oxygen levels is required to comply with regulations and ensure the material is safe for its intended use.

The cleaning process also includes sorting the materials into different streams: the intended plastic (high value), missorted plastic containers (medium value), and waste (negative value). This sorting step helps remove any remaining contaminants and ensures that the recycled plastic is of high quality and free from impurities. It is a critical step in the recycling process to ensure the final product meets the required standards and can be safely reused or repurposed.

Frequently asked questions

There are several companies that sell recycled plastics, including PlastiCycle and Vanden Recycling. PlastiCycle sells recycled plastic pellets and regrinds, while Vanden Recycling buys and sells scrap plastic for recycling.

The types of recycled plastics available for purchase can vary depending on the supplier. Some common types of recycled plastics offered by companies like PlastiCycle and Vanden Recycling include PE, PP, PET, PS, Nylon, HDPE, LDPE, and more.

When choosing a supplier for purchasing recycled plastics, consider factors such as the company's reputation, the quality of their recycled plastics, their commitment to environmental sustainability, and the specific types of recycled plastics they offer. It is also essential to ensure that the supplier follows strict processes and quality control checks to guarantee the cleanliness and purity of their recycled materials. Additionally, consider your specific needs, such as the volume required and the intended application, to make an informed decision.

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