Recycled plastics are becoming an inevitable trend as plastic waste pollution continues to increase. Reusing this source of material helps conserve resources and contributes to reducing emissions that pollute the environment. In the article below, Thai Duong Plastics will help you clearly understand what recycled plastic is and the characteristics of the seven most common types of recycled plastics.
What is recycled plastic?
Recycled plastic is plastic that is produced from post-consumer plastic products or industrial scrap, after going through a process of collection, cleaning, shredding, melting, and pelletizing. This material source can be reused in many different manufacturing sectors depending on the properties of each type of plastic. However, not every type of plastic can be recycled effectively. Certain material groups such as PVC, PS, etc. require complex treatment technologies to ensure safety and quality.
General characteristics
Although recycled from waste materials, many types of plastics can still achieve high quality if the production process is well controlled. Some common characteristics include:
- They may show a slight reduction in color uniformity and clarity compared with virgin plastic.
- They must be thoroughly processed to remove impurities and ensure mechanical strength.
- They have lower cost, making them suitable for consumer goods and industrial materials.
- They are more environmentally friendly and contribute to the development of a circular economy.
Distinguishing recycled plastic from virgin plastic
Before taking a deeper look at the different types of recycled plastics, it is important to clearly distinguish these two concepts to avoid confusion when selecting materials:
Virgin plastic
This is plastic that is produced directly from petroleum via distillation and polymerization processes. Virgin plastic pellets are naturally white, with a glossy, smooth surface, and do not contain impurities or additives. Virgin plastic is characterized by its flexibility, durability, and safety, and is usually used in products that require high technical standards.
Recycled plastic
This is produced from used plastic waste that has been collected, sorted, and reprocessed. Recycled plastic pellets may differ in color, clarity, and mechanical properties depending on the input material sources. Although they are less durable than virgin plastic, recycled plastics can still meet production requirements in many industrial sectors.
Characteristics of the seven types of recycled plastics and their common applications
Each type of plastic below has its own properties and recyclability:
Recycled PET plastic (rPET)
Recycled PET comes from water bottles, food packaging, polyester fibers, and similar products. This material has high transparency, is lightweight, and has good impact resistance. After recycling, rPET is used to produce textile fibers, packaging, plastic bottles, and various packing materials. It is one of the most easily recycled plastics and can be reused many times while still maintaining its durability.
Recycled HDPE plastic (rHDPE)
Recycled HDPE (rHDPE) is used in the production of water pipes, trash bins, pallets, industrial packaging, and outdoor products. It has high mechanical strength and good resistance to chemicals and heat. After recycling, this plastic still retains its barrier properties and structural rigidity.
Recycled PVC plastic (rPVC)
PVC has good electrical insulation, impact resistance, and chemical resistance, but because it contains chlorine, the recycling process requires advanced technology. Recycled PVC (rPVC) is used in industrial products such as pipes, roofing sheets, vinyl flooring, and partitions. It should not be used for packaging or items that come into direct contact with food.
Recycled LDPE plastic (rLDPE)
LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic with good elasticity, commonly recovered from plastic bags and films. After recycling, LDPE is used in the production of garbage bags, agricultural mulch films, inner liners for packaging, moisture barrier materials, and similar products. However, LDPE is not suitable for applications that require high heat resistance or heavy load-bearing capacity.
Recycled PP plastic (rPP)
PP is characterized by its rigidity, light weight, and good heat resistance. Recycled PP (rPP) retains high mechanical strength after recycling, is easy to process, and absorbs little moisture. This material is often used to produce plastic containers, tables and chairs, technical components, storage boxes, and household items. It is one of the most widely used and highly regarded recycled plastics today.
Recycled PS plastic (rPS)
Recycled PS has low density, good thermal insulation, and low cost, but it is brittle and prone to cracking. It is typically reused in the production of insulation materials, picture frames, foam packaging, and decorative components. Because it can easily leach substances when exposed to high temperatures, recycled PS should not be used for products that hold hot food.
Other recycled plastics (rOther)
This group includes engineering plastics such as PC, ABS, PLA, and others, which may have impact resistance, heat resistance, or biodegradability depending on their composition. These plastics are recycled to produce electronic components, industrial materials, technical equipment, and environmentally friendly products. Some types need to be strictly controlled because they may contain BPA.
Is recycled plastic toxic?
The safety of recycled plastic depends on the plastic type, the recycling process, and the intended application. If processed to proper standards, recycled plastic can be completely safe for human health and environmentally friendly:
- Safe: Recycled plastics such as PET, HDPE, and PP are generally considered safe when used for consumer products, packaging, and household items, especially when they are not in direct contact with high temperatures.
- Precautions: Recycled PVC, PS, and PC may contain additives or compounds that can leach out if used incorrectly. They should be used in industrial or construction materials and should not be in direct contact with food.
The application of recycled plastics not only brings economic benefits, but also demonstrates responsibility toward the community and the environment. Thai Duong Plastics continues to research and develop high-quality recycled plastic product lines, accompanying Vietnamese businesses in their goals of green production and sustainable development.
Read more: Thai Duong Plastics’ capabilities in industrial plastic injection molding