Most people are familiar with the idea of recycling plastics, but did you know that there are different types of recyclable plastics? Recyclable plastics are an increasingly important part of the global economy and are used in everything from bottles, and food and beverage packaging to construction materials and car parts.
In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at the difference between recycled and recyclable products and the most common types used in manufacturing.
What is the difference between ‘recyclable’ and ‘recycled’?
At ScopeNEXT our sustainable products are fully recyclable. But what does that mean and what is the difference between recyclable and recycled products?
Recycled products are goods or materials that have been used before and have been recovered or recycled from waste. Recycled products can be made into new products, or they can be used to replace materials in other products.
For example, recycled paper can be made into new paper products, or it can be used as insulation in homes. Recycled glass can be made into new glass products, or it can be used as aggregate in concrete.
Recyclable products are items that can be reused in the manufacturing of new products. This includes things like glass, metal, paper, and plastics. Recycling these materials helps to conserve energy and resources, and it also reduces pollution. These products do not necessarily contain recycled materials and only benefit the environment if people recycle them after use.
What are the most common types of fully recyclable plastics?
Since the 1950s, the production of plastics has increased exponentially, with over 300 million tons of plastics produced each year. The term ‘plastics’ covers a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds of high molecular weight. The defining feature of plastics is their malleability: they can (usually) be moulded into an infinite variety of shapes and forms, making them extremely versatile.
While plastics can be recycled, the process is not always straightforward. Plastics are typically classified by their resin type, with different types of plastics requiring different recycling processes. This can make recycling plastics complex and challenging, as different types need to be sorted and processed differently.
Here are three materials that are 100% recyclable; (plus symbols)
- Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile plastic resin and the most widely used polymer in the world. PE is an inexpensive, lightweight, durable plastic that can be easily moulded, extruded, or cast into a variety of shapes. It’s used in everything from packaging and construction to toys and household products. PE is made from long chains of ethylene molecules, which are derived from natural gas or petroleum. The type of PE plastic depends on the number of carbons in the ethylene molecule. The three most common types are low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). PE plastic is classified as a thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and reformed.
- Polypropylene (PP) also known as polypropene is a versatile thermoplastic that can be used in a wide variety of applications. It is frequently used in packaging, due to its light weight and resistance to moisture and chemicals. PP can also be used in a variety of other applications such as automotive parts, medical devices, and textiles.
- PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) is a thermoplastic polyester that is widely used in the manufacturing of food and beverage containers, cosmetics packaging, and more. It is a strong, lightweight material that is shatter-resistant and easy to recycle. PET is a safe and durable alternative to glass and other materials, making it a popular choice for a variety of applications.
ScopeNEXT Ltd is the established market force in hand pumps, offering the widest range of dose and capability options. From the smallest 0.2 ml cosmetic cream dispenser pump up to the largest 400 ml drum pump, ScopeNEXT pumps and dispensers offer an extensive range of styles and technical capability.
