Sofia Martinez
The sourcing of recycled plastic is a complex process with many considerations. The plastic crisis is a pressing issue, and the normalisation of recycled materials is an important step towards a more sustainable future. However, it is crucial to examine the source of recycled plastic, the conditions in which it is collected, and the environmental and social impacts of the collection process. Protocols set by third-party plastic credit auditors can help ensure responsible sourcing of recycled plastic, especially in industries with high recycled material usage, such as fashion, food and beverage, and textiles. The treatment of workers and the well-being of marginalised communities are also essential factors in ethical sourcing. Additionally, the recyclability of the sourced plastic, potential contaminants, and its suitability for specific applications, such as food contact, must be considered. Various recycling programs, like the EPA's National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution and community-based initiatives like Precious Plastic, are working to tackle plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources | Plants, trees, animals, insects, crude oil |
| Collection | Collected by waste pickers, then sorted and graded by primary and secondary collectors before being sent to recyclers |
| Safety | Recycled plastics may contain hazardous contaminants that can migrate into products. The US FDA has issued guidelines for testing to ensure safety. |
| Environmental impact | Recycling can help reduce pollution and protect the environment |
| Social impact | Ethical sourcing must consider the treatment of workers and the well-being of marginalised communities |
| Cost | Cost and logistics considerations include the form of the recycled plastic (pellet, regrind, etc.), as well as any compounding additives |
| Supply chain | The location of the recycled plastics vendor and their logistics abilities should meet needs for speed and transportation cost |
| Recyclability | The recycled plastic should be suitable for further recycling; additives and colourants can sometimes make plastic harder to reuse |
| Manufacturing | The recycled plastic material should work with the required method of production |
| Durability | The durability of the recycled plastic should be considered |
| Colour | The colour of the recycled plastic and its colourfastness should be considered |
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What You'll Learn
Ethical and responsible sourcing
Firstly, it is essential to assess the supply chain and the vendor's history. This includes evaluating the vendor's logistics abilities and locations to ensure they meet your needs for speed and transportation costs. Additionally, consider the source of the recycled plastic – whether it is post-consumer or post-industrial. Post-consumer recycled plastic often involves the labour of marginalised communities, and it is important to ensure ethical treatment and working conditions for these workers. Protocols set by third-party plastic credit auditors can provide a framework for responsible sourcing, addressing issues of poverty and hazardous conditions in informal waste picking.
Secondly, the environmental and social impacts of collection must be considered. Conduct a full assessment of your company's plastic footprint to understand the sources and amounts of plastic used, identify areas for improvement, and set targets for reducing plastic waste. This includes evaluating the recyclability of the plastic you source – some additives and colourants can make plastic harder to reuse. Additionally, consider the potential for contaminants in the recycled plastic, especially if it is intended for food contact applications, as some organic contaminants may not be removed by the recycling process.
Thirdly, when sourcing recycled plastic, consider its characteristics and how they align with your needs. Evaluate factors such as rigidity, durability, colourfastness, thermal stability, resilience, density, and, of course, recyclability. Ensure that the recycled plastic is suitable for your manufacturing process and the specific requirements of your production methods.
Lastly, explore alternatives and solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics. Refillable and reusable packaging can reduce plastic waste, especially for products with a small distribution area. Joining community initiatives, such as the Precious Plastic Universe, can also help tackle plastic waste and provide innovative solutions for ethical and responsible sourcing.
By considering these aspects, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future, improve the lives of those involved in the plastic sourcing process, and provide consumers with ethically-sound products.
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Recyclability and recycling processes
When it comes to the recyclability and recycling processes of recycled plastic, there are several key considerations and steps involved. Firstly, it is important to determine the source of the recycled plastic, which can be either post-consumer or post-industrial. Post-consumer recycled plastic comes from products that have been used and discarded by consumers, such as plastic bottles or packaging. On the other hand, post-industrial recycled plastic, also known as post-industrial resin, originates from waste generated during industrial processes, including manufacturing and production.
The recyclability of plastic is influenced by several factors. One crucial aspect is the type of plastic resin and polymer. Different types of plastics have varying abilities to be recycled. For instance, thermoplastics, which include commonly recycled materials like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene), can be easily re-melted and remolded into new products. In contrast, thermoset plastics contain polymers with irreversible chemical bonds, making them challenging to recycle. Additionally, the presence of additives and colourants can impact recyclability. Certain additives, such as oxo-biodegradable additives, may be intended to enhance biodegradability but can lead to increased thermal degradation during the recycling process.
The recycling process of plastic typically involves multiple stages. Initially, the plastic waste is collected and sorted. Sorting can be done manually or with the assistance of technology, such as optical sorters or robotic arms. This step is crucial to separate different types of plastics and remove contaminants like glass or metal. After sorting, the plastic is typically compressed into bales, which are then sold to recyclers or reclaimers.
The bales of sorted plastic undergo further processing at recycling facilities. The material is shredded or ground into small pieces called "flake." This step helps in reducing the volume of plastic waste and preparing it for the next steps. The flakes are then washed with hot water and detergent to eliminate surface impurities and any adhesives used for labels. This washing process may involve multiple cycles to ensure thorough cleaning.
Following the washing stage, the plastic flakes are separated according to their density. This is typically done using a float-sink tank, where different types of plastics float or sink, allowing for their separation. This step ensures that similar types of plastics are grouped together for further processing. After separation, the flakes undergo a drying process, where they are air-dried or placed in a dryer to remove any remaining moisture.
The dried plastic flakes are then ready for further processing. They can be melted and reformed into new products or processed into pellets, which can be used as a raw material for manufacturing. The melting process involves heating the plastic to specific temperatures, typically between 150-320 °C, depending on the polymer type. This step allows for the creation of new items through processes such as injection moulding, blow moulding, or extrusion.
It is important to note that the recycling process may vary depending on the specific type of plastic, the intended end-use, and the capabilities of the recycling facility. Additionally, the environmental impact of plastic recycling should be considered. While recycling can help reduce landfill waste and conserve resources, it is essential to manage the process responsibly to minimise any negative consequences, such as microplastic release into wastewater.
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Cost and logistics considerations
When considering the procurement of recycled plastics, it is imperative to look past the price-per-pound of the material. The cost and logistics considerations are numerous and can lead to significant savings or costs.
Firstly, the type of recycled plastic must be considered. For example, will the plastic be sourced as a finished repro pellet, or as a regrind to be blended and compounded with additives or colourants? The latter option may make the plastic vastly more difficult to reuse. It is also important to assess whether the recycled plastic is suitable for further recycling.
Secondly, the specific characteristics of the plastic must be evaluated. The polymer must meet certain requirements, such as rigidity, durability, colourfastness, thermal stability, leaching, resilience, density, and recyclability. The potential for hazardous contaminants to migrate from the plastic into the product must also be considered, especially if the plastic is intended for food contact applications. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidelines regarding the testing of recycled plastics for food safety.
Thirdly, the supply chain and logistics must be taken into account. The location of the recycled plastics vendor can impact transportation costs and speed. Sourcing recycled plastic close to the manufacturing facility can help reduce transportation costs. Additionally, the treatment of workers and the well-being of marginalised communities involved in the collection and recycling process should be considered to ensure ethical sourcing.
Lastly, the manufacturing process must be compatible with the chosen recycled plastic material. Different production methods, such as injection moulding, thermoforming, blow moulding, extrusion, and compression moulding, may have specific requirements for the type of plastic used. Reuse and refill systems can also be considered as an alternative to the collection, recycling, and remanufacturing process, but they are more feasible for small distribution areas.
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Supply chain and vendor considerations
When considering the supply chain and vendors for recycled plastic, it is important to examine the source and the conditions under which it is collected. This includes understanding the environmental and social impacts of the collection process. Protocols set forth by third-party plastic credit auditors might offer a framework for responsible sourcing of mismanaged plastic waste. It is also crucial to assess the treatment of workers and the well-being of marginalised communities involved in the process.
To ensure ethical sourcing, companies must do more than just collect valuable plastic for their products. Conducting a full assessment of a company's plastic footprint is an important first step in reducing the environmental impacts of plastic use. This involves understanding the sources and amounts of plastic used, identifying areas for improvement, and setting targets for reducing plastic waste.
The characteristics of the plastic are also influenced by its source, which in turn affects marketing claims. For example, plastics can be sourced naturally from plants, trees, animals, or insects. It is imperative to consider the various types of polymers used, what they contain, and what they might leach into the final product. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidelines and approved processes to ensure the safety of recycled plastics, particularly for food-contact applications.
There are also cost and logistics considerations when sourcing recycled plastic. For instance, the choice between sourcing repro pellets or regrind can significantly impact expenses. The location of the vendor and their logistics abilities should be evaluated to determine if they meet the needs for speed and transportation costs. Additionally, the recyclability of the plastic should be considered, as some changes, such as adding colourants or additives, can make plastic much more difficult to reuse.
Finally, it is important to assess if the recycled plastic is suitable for the required manufacturing process, such as injection moulding, thermoforming, or blow moulding.
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Safety and quality of recycled plastics
When sourcing recycled plastics, it is imperative to look past the price-per-pound. There are several factors to consider to ensure the safety and quality of recycled plastics.
Firstly, the source of the recycled plastics should be verified. Is it from a post-consumer or post-industrial source? The source will determine the potential contaminants and their possible sources in the plastic waste stream. For example, rigid plastic containers such as bottles, jars, and trays made from PET, HDPE, and PP are easier to recycle than those with clear PVC or PS, which are challenging to sort from co-mingled recyclables.
Secondly, the compatibility of different plastic types is a critical factor. Most plastic types are not compatible with each other due to inherent immiscibility at the molecular level and differences in processing requirements. For instance, the presence of PVC in a PET recycle stream will degrade the recycled PET resin due to the evolution of hydrochloric acid gas from the PVC at higher temperatures needed to melt and reprocess PET.
Thirdly, the additives and colourants used in plastics can impact their recyclability and quality. Additives have been identified as a source of contamination, generating organic substances whose behaviour is still under investigation. Colourants can also affect the recyclability of plastics, with some colours being more easily recyclable than others.
Furthermore, the durability, rigidity, thermal stability, resilience, density, and colorfastness of the recycled plastic should meet the manufacturer's requirements. The recycled plastic must be suitable for the required method of production, such as injection moulding or blow moulding.
Lastly, the supply chain and logistics of the recycled plastics vendor should be considered. The vendor's location and logistics abilities should meet the needs for speed and transportation costs.
By addressing these considerations, one can ensure the safety and quality of recycled plastics while also contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.
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Frequently asked questions
You can source recycled plastic from third-party audited protocols used in Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) collection and plastic credit systems. You can also source it from companies that prioritise ethical sourcing in post-consumer recycled plastic, such as those in the fashion, food and beverage, and textile industries.
To ensure that your recycled plastic is ethically sourced, you should consider the following:
- The treatment of workers
- The well-being of marginalised communities
- The environmental and social impacts of collection
- The vendor's history
- The location of the vendor in your supply chain
- The durability of the plastic
- The colour safety of the plastic
There are several things to consider when sourcing recycled plastic, including:
- The type of plastic and its suitability for your manufacturing process
- The availability of the plastic near your manufacturing facility to reduce transportation costs
- The recyclability of the plastic
- The potential for compounding additives
Some ways to reduce plastic waste include:
- Using refillable and reusable packaging
- Participating in alternative plastic recycling systems, such as Precious Plastic
- Conducting a full assessment of your company's plastic footprint to identify areas for improvement and set targets for reducing plastic use and waste
