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SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS
WHAT IS A SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC?
Plastics are sustainable when they are circular, able to be used again and again in a closed loop system. By applying the circular economy and its three main principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, it is possible to use plastic as a sustainable material, keeping it out of landfill and utilising the range of benefits that plastics have to offer.
RGE provides injection moulding services using many recyclable and recycled plastic options.
Virgin plastics are used to create a product
The product is broken down into plastic pellets
The plastic material is reused to create a new product
PLASTICS RGE WORKS WITH
Polypropylene (PP) - One of the most commonly used plastics in the world. It is an extremely versatile material, and as a rigid, semicrystalline thermoplastic, it is widely used in a range of domestic and industrial applications. Polypropylene has a slippery, tactile surface, and is highly resistant to chemical corrosion. It is often chosen for its durability and strength.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) - An opaque thermoplastic with tough and highly durable qualities. The acrylonitrile provides chemical and thermal stability, the butadiene adds strength, and the styrene gives the polymer a glossy finish. ABS has a low melting point which makes it easy to use for injection moulding. ABS plastics take colour easily, allowing finished products to be dyed to exact shades.
Polyamide/Nylon (PA) - A versatile and durable plastic with an attractive finish, suitable for a wide range of applications across multiple industries and sectors. Nylon is a long lasting plastic that offers good resistance to abrasion, chemical exposure, extreme temperatures and moisture absorption.
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) - TPEs combine the characteristics of rubber with the recyclability and processing advantages of plastics. Even though TPEs are thermoplastics, they exhibit elastic properties similar to that of cross-linked rubber, combined with plastic strength. They have excellent colourability and a lower density than thermoset rubber.
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) + Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - Members of the polyester family of polymers, PBT and PET have gained commercial interest due to their wide range of applications. They provide dimensional stability and low moisture absorption characteristics, with good durability under thermal stress and harsh chemical environments.
RGE EXPERIENCE WITH SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS
RGE are able to offer design support for any injection moulding project using recycled materials, as different factors need to be considered to ensure that the strength and finish are comparable in quality to virgin plastic alternatives.
Our design and technical teams have vast experience working on projects that have pushed the boundaries of what is capable when moulding with recycled and recyclable materials.
WHY USE SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS?
Using sustainable plastics will allow your product to be recycled at the end of its life, helping to keep plastics out of landfill and ensuring that the long lasting, strong, and durable qualities are made use of time and time again.
Using recyclable plastics is a great option if you require food or medical grade materials - recycled plastics will not be suitable for these applications, but choosing a virgin plastic that can be recycled after use still plays a key part in reducing plastic waste.