Growth of recycled plastics in injection moulding

26 August 2019

Plastics are a finite and valuable resource, so the best outcome after their initial use is typically to be recycled into a new product. But not so long ago, many injection moulders wouldn’t consider using recycled plastics because of the issues with quality and consistency.

However, research and development by the waste and recycling sector has led to a growing supply of fit-for-purpose recycled plastics - a priority in developing a circular economy. But note, colours of recycled plastics are dependent on the base material and original feedstock.

Recycled plastic can be of any colour or type

Recycling plastics with injection moulding comes without any loss in quality. Whether a flexible plastic part or a unit that requires a high degree of tensile strength. When combined with the fast production time found in the plastic moulding process, this makes it an ideal choice for rapid prototyping or large-scale production alike By applying recycling to the plastic injection moulding process it becomes easy to create a closed industrial materials process, where used parts are recycled and provide the material needed for new plastic components.

Environmental responsibility as a high priority

Using recycled plastics in the injection moulding process is not only environmentally responsible, but it also can reduce the OEM’s material expenses. Any brand that is using recycled plastic in its industrial process can benefit from the public’s perception that the business is working to protect the environment. Ultimately, making use of recycled plastic in plastic moulding and other industrial processes is a beneficial decision at every level.

Symbol	Acronym	Full Name and Uses
	PET	Polyethylene Terephthalate Water bottles, soft and fizzy drink bottles, pots, tubs, oven ready trays, jam jars
	HDPE	High-Density Polyethylene Chemical drums, jerricans, carboys, toys, picnic ware, household and kitchenware, cable insulation, carrier bags, food wrapping material.
	PVC	Polyvinyl Chloride Window frames, drainage pipe, water service pipe, medical devices, blood storage bags, cable and wire insulation, resilient flooring, roofing membranes, stationery, automotive interiors and seat coverings, fashion and footwear, packaging, cling film, credit cards, synthetic leather and other coated fabrics.
	LDPE	Low Density Polyethylene Squeeze bottles, toys, carrier bags, high frequency insulation, chemical tank linings, heavy duty sacks, general packaging, gas and water pipes.
	PP	Polypropylene Buckets, crates, toys, medical components, washing machine drums, bottle caps, and battery cases.
	PS	Polystyrene Toys and novelties, rigid packaging, refrigerator trays and boxes, cosmetic packs and costume jewellery.
	Other	Other types of plastics

Recycled Plastics and Injection Moulding

Plastic is a durable and flexible and economical to recycle for use in injection moulding and other industrial processes. As well as reducing reliance on landfill, recycling plastic also reduces the amount of raw materials needed, reducing ground pollution and greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the production of new plastic.

< Back