LDPE/LLDPE (recycling code 4)
Low-density polyethylene is a thinner, more flexible plastic commonly used in packaging, including bubble wrap. Low-density polyethylene is FDA-approved for food contact and has high thermal elasticity, making it a good match for applications using heat sealing. However, film low-density polyethylene is often excluded from curbside recycling programs but can often be recycled at grocery stores.
Rigid low-density polyethylene is used in things like bottles, lids, containers, and caps. LDPE can be used to protect products from chemicals and moisture during shipping without adding a lot of extra weight.
It can be recycled into similar film products such as shipping envelopes or trash can liners, but rigid low-density polyethylene can also be recycled into heavier products.
Linear low-density polyethylene is used as film packaging for food products and is prized by companies in the industry for its ability to resist tearing and punctures, delaying food spoilage. 55% of it is for single use.
However, when recycled, it has desirable properties for other uses, including outdoor and mechanical applications, as it is more flexible and less brittle than other plastics.
PP (recycling code 5)
Polypropylene (PP) can be used for clothing and ropes as well as tubs and bottles. Its rigidity, high melting point and resistance to many chemical solvents have led to its widespread use in consumer products, including toys, storage items and cleaning supply containers. In addition to its rigidity and heat-resistant capabilities, PP prevents the spread of moisture. These factors make PP an ideal material for food packaging, especially when the food is packaged while hot or is destined to be microwaved by consumers.
PP can be recycled into fibers and pellets, however, it is one of the least recycled plastics despite being in high demand. PP degrades faster than other plastics (after 20-30 years), but the microplastics and additives released in the process pose a significant threat to the environment.
PS (recycling code 6)
PS in recycling code 6 stands for polystyrene, a plastic typically used for rigid purposes where brittleness is not a problem, or in foam products. Most consumers encounter polystyrene in single-use plastic items such as cups and cutlery, takeout food containers, insulated coffee cups, and egg cartons and meat trays.
Polystyrene is collected through some community recycling programs and when recycled can find a new life as insulation, packaging materials, office supplies and equipment, clothes hangers and construction materials such as light switches and air conditioning vents. Demand for polystyrene has declined year over year, in part due to recycling challenges and some local ordinances banning the use of polystyrene in food service.
Recycled polystyrene can find new life as egg cartons, electronics casings, license plate frames, rulers, construction molds and packaging.
Others (recycling code 7)
Recycling code 7 is a collective name used for other types of recyclable plastics, including polyamide (nylon), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and thermoplastic elastomers. Because polycarbonate plastic contains bisphenol A (BPA), there were serious concerns about the chemical leaching into food and beverages, causing it to fall out of favor in these applications.
Polycarbonate is easily tinted, highly impact-resistant and can be used to make shatterproof and bulletproof glass, as well as in consumer electronics. Although difficult to recycle, it is important to divert this material from landfills and waterways due to its many environmental impacts once it enters the waste stream. It does not degrade and over time it releases many toxic elements into the environment, posing significant risks to marine life and seafood for human consumption.
Polycarbonate can be recycled, but usually through chemical processes rather than traditional mechanical recycling.
Furthermore, this code number 7 is also used on packaging that is compostable and made from bio-based polymers, which is often confusing. Often, compostable No. 7 plastic will also have “compostable” or “PLA” marked on the container to indicate that it is indeed compostable.
PA/Nylon
Polyamide (PA), commonly known as nylon, is a category that includes several varieties, the most common being nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. Nylon is often classified as an engineering plastic because its mechanical properties are superior to those of the commodity plastics listed above. As a result, nylon is used to make fishing nets, durable clothing, and can also be found in various applications in the automotive industry.
Nylon recycling requires much lower temperatures than most plastics, but it easily releases contaminants. Therefore, the material must be thoroughly cleaned before mechanical recycling. Although relatively uncommon, nylon recycling is becoming increasingly popular. Since fishing gear accounts for a large portion of plastic pollution in waterways, it’s important to prioritize nylon recycling.
ABS
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene is a strong, hard, shiny plastic. It is used in electronics, cars, airplanes, helmets, golf clubs and luggage. It is also the plastic used in Lego bricks.
ABS can be recycled and injection molded for new uses. By recycling, melting and reshaping, ABS can be reused many times. While much of the world’s ABS is not recycled, the process is simple and can be done by individual consumers (with the right equipment).
TPEs
Thermoplastic elastomers are a group of plastics, the most popular of which is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU is sometimes called the bridge between rubber and plastic. It is relatively stiff, but “flexible” enough to be used in applications that previously relied on rubber. However, compared with rubber, TPE has the advantages of low production cost and strong durability. It is a favorite for 3D printer applications and is commonly found in products such as phone cases and sporting goods. Other TPEs offer more flexibility and smoother textures.
There are two ways to recycle TPE: mechanical or chemical. The mechanical process involves chopping or grinding raw material so that it can be compressed and molded into a new product. The chemical recycling process breaks down materials into their chemical components, which can then be used to make new raw materials, including new TPE. Despite this, TPE recycling is very uncommon in most parts of the world.
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Post time: 05-17-2024
