Plastics are a valuable resource, and nearly all types can be recycled. Across the UK, almost all councils provide plastic recycling collection, which is collected and sent to the recycling centre. Here it is separated into different polymer types and shredded, then melted back into polymer pellets, which are sold to produce new products and completing the lifecycle.
So why should you recycle your plastic? Now more than ever we are being held accountable for plastic use and sustainability. Re-using or recycling plastic is a valuable way to not only reduce waste, but to reduce costs and environmental impact. The fact that you can recycle plastic is also one of its bigger qualities, as it is a resource-efficient material.
Technically, every type of plastic can be recycled, but the extent to which they are recycled differs. The most commonly recycled plastics are PET and HDPE, which are used to make soft drinks bottles and milk bottles.
For day-to-day household items, if you are not sure whether plastic can be recycled then simply check the packaging for information. Retailers and brand owners are encouraged to use a symbol system to communicate with consumers on what can and cannot be recycled.
Another way to reduce environmental impact when it comes to plastic use, is making sure that plastic is durable enough and to avoid single use. There has been a recent shift in reusable plastic items such as water bottles and hot beverage flasks, with some brands incentivising customers with price reductions or loyalty points.
When it comes to how many times you can recycle plastic, this is where things get a little more complicated, and there is actually no simple answer to it. It all depends on the type of plastic and how it is being recycled. Most plastics do slightly break down over time, but this can be countered by mixing it with ‘virgin’ plastic or by adding additives which improve the properties.
Euro Extrusions Ltd is a plastic extruder specialist, supplying clients with a large range of products including thermoplastic sheet and film. Euro Extrusions has worked on a wide range of projects across several industries and is backed by ISO 9001 certification.
We have a wealth of extrusion knowledge and market experience. Manufacturing a comprehensive range of extruded thermoplastic sheet and film for thermoforming, fabrication, printing and vacuum forming, our HIPS sheet raw material is also FDA-approved for use in the food and catering industries. High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is 100% recyclable and its lightweight properties also make it a more sustainable choice of material in terms of transport and resulting emissions.
We are also able to convert our customers’ own skeletal waste materials into roll or sheet, adding performance enhancing additives if required, operating two dedicated HIPS production lines.
To find out more about Euro Extrusions’ environmental policies, or for details on our products and services, speak to a member of the team on 01254 886662 or contact us here.
