Several types of plastic films have gained popularity over the years thanks to their usefulness in the packaging industry, and stretch film is one of the most outstanding examples of it.
However, as its demand and production increase, its waste also increases. It is inevitable for stretch film producers to face this issue. And surely, there’s a better solution than burying it alongside everything else in landfills.
Even though many consider the stretch film a troublesome plastic to recycle due to its strength and adhesive properties, some plastic producers have already begun recycling it to enhance sustainability at their factories!
Let’s take a closer look at what stretch film is and how its recycling efficiency might benefit your factory!
What is Stretch Film?
Stretch film, or stretch wrap, is usually made from flexible materials, such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). This material is recyclable since it falls into the fourth category of the recycling codes as a variation of LDPE.
Its versatility and durability make it a safe choice for product packaging when stored or transported. Its ability to tightly secure items makes it an essential asset for some producers and retailers. Stretch film is easy to use, resistant, and fulfills its function until removed.
Stretch Film Recycling: A Cost-Effective Solution!
One of the most effective solutions has been stretch film recycling, a growing trend in plastic production that has brought sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and a circular economy to this market. By recycling their factory waste, producers reduce their raw materials expenses and may reuse the recycled material back to the production line while keeping their quality standards.
Recyclers can also make a profit by recycling stretch film plastic waste! Several plastic producers constantly look for recycled material to incorporate into their production lines. Therefore, some recycling companies have decided to collect waste from other factories, turn that waste into pellets, and sell it to plastic producers, resulting in a profitable business model.
Recycling stretch film isn’t just about saving costs or earning a profit; it’s a significant chance to do our part for the planet. By keeping plastic out of landfills, we are helping to create a healthier environment for everyone by reducing carbon footprints and using fewer raw materials.
Not a recycler yet? Check this article!
How to Recycle Stretch Film?
Many producers consider stretch film difficult to recycle since it often includes adhesive additives for better results and performance. When winded, stretch film-on-rolls are too rigid for some recycling machines to process them directly. In certain situations, recyclers will avoid recycling it due to the lack of correct and efficient equipment for processing these materials.
Nonetheless, POLYSTAR has stepped up to the challenge by manufacturing two efficient recycling machines that can process stretch film, turning them into high-quality, uniform recycled pellets. These pellets’ properties are similar to the ones seen on raw materials, keeping a consistent quality on the plastic production.
Cutter-Compactor Integrated Recycling Machine
Repro-Flex recycling machine processes several types of plastic waste, such as HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, and PP.
This machine is suitable for those producers who have their stretch film waste in the form of plastic flakes. Thanks to its cutter-compactor technology, this machine pre-conditions the material before the material starts its extrusion process.
Repro-Flex is a versatile recycling machine that processes several types of plastic films, such as garbage bags, shrink films, film scraps, and bag cut-offs. For this reason, Repro-Flex is ideal for plastic film producers who have their plastic waste not only in one but several shapes.
Shredder-Integrated Recycling Machine
The innovative Repro-One recycling machine integrates a simple yet powerful single-shaft shredder that eliminates the need for pre-shredding your plastic waste. Its shredder allows the direct processing of stretch film rolls, enhancing its efficiency in recycling. Stretch film producers can simplify their recycling process by removing the paper cores and feeding the plastic waste directly onto the belt conveyor.
By integrating a shredder within the recycling machine, producers can choose to recycle other thick or bulky waste, such as post-production raffia waste, jumbo bags, plastic lumps, HDPE plastic bottles, and so on. Its flexibility allows plastic producers to recycle their waste in a one-step process with minimal material degradation.
Conclusion
Stretch film is a packaging product that has brought several challenges to the plastic recycling industry due to its flexibility, adhesiveness, and rigidness (when winded into rolls).
Even though its processing might sound problematic, POLYSTAR offers two suitable and efficient solutions to recycle stretch film waste, depending on the producer’s requirements! Repro-Flex and Repro-One are two separate recycling machines with integrated cutter-compactor and shredder systems, each for different purposes.
Still hesitant about which solution will work the best for your recycling project? POLYSTAR’s experienced Sales Team will help you find the most optimal plastic recycling solutions for your requirements. Contact us for more information!
