Before we start turning plastic waste into valuable products using our 3-in-1 plastic upcycling machine, we need to sort and clean the plastics before shredding and melting it into an injection mould. But it's not an easy task to sort and clean plastics!
There are 7 types of plastics: PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and others. But plastics are a composite material, meaning that they contain more than one type of raw material - which results in thousands of combinations and causes the whole recycling process to be more complicated!
For example, different additives are added to produce a desired colour, shape and texture to the final product. These additions will lead to slightly different melting points of the plastic even when they are labelled as the same type.
So far only Type 1,2 and 5 plastics are widely recycled by companies as they are easier to recycle compared to other types of plastics.
After sorting the plastics, we have to clean the plastics. We do our best, but plastics that are contaminated with food residue, dirt and oil cannot be recycled, unfortunately.
Recycled materials are competing with virgin materials in the market, so cleanliness matters.
It is a long and arduous process to sort and clean the plastics. Countries like South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, invest their time to diligently clean recyclables after use.
If everyone starts to responsibly sort and clean their plastic waste, there will be more plastics that can be recycled using our 3-in-1 plastic upcycling machine.
Recycled plastic faces a weak market since its virgin counterpart is both cheaper and of better quality. However, with more people realising the plastic crisis, consumers play a role in pressuring companies to incorporate recycled plastics into their products, and reduce usage of virgin plastics to fulfil sustainability commitments.
On the last note, thank you to everyone that collects, sorts and cleans plastics. It is a tough job, we know!
But we will still keep moving forward, putting in extra time to sort, clean and upcycle plastic waste into valuable products.
Working with loop2cycle, our expanded sister company!
loop2cycle specializes in providing commercially viable and sustainable plastic recycling machines, including our unique 3-in-1 plastic upcycler. These machines continue to enable groups and communities around the world to turn plastic waste into quality products. This generates greater awareness of the plastic pollution crisis, provides employment and the potential to generate income in developing nations, whilst reducing plastic pollution in all cases.
Get in touch today to learn how loop2cycle can help you reduce your plastic pollution footprint!