HDPE Recycling
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a Polyolefin thermoplastic in the same family of plastics as Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). HDPE recycling is relatively simple and there are many companies that recover HDPE from post-industrial or post-consumer scrap. HDPE is a very versatile plastic and can be used in both thick and thin sections, and for both injection moulding and extrusion processes.
Waste Plastic Recycling
HDPE is an ideal polymer for waste plastic recycling. HDPE scrap has the number “2” as it's recycling symbol. HDPE scrap can be found in many forms both rigid and film. If it is thin enough then Extrusion grade HDPE can be used as a film and is often used to make the carrier bags that are found in most supermarkets. It is easy to tell the difference from LDPE film as HDPE film is less flexible and more crinkly to touch. As the thickness of the HDPE increases then the material quickly becomes rigid. Milk bottles are another example of HDPE (blow moulding grade) and are rigid but slightly flexible, but once the thickness increases further the HDPE becomes completely rigid. Large diameter utility pipes are a good example of a very rigid application for Extrusion Grade HDPE, as well as drums and IBC's.
HDPE is also popular for injection moulding, and Injection Grade HDPE is commonly used for applications such as Wheelie Bins, Crates and Pallets. Many of the Wheelie Bins on our streets today will have a percentage of HDPE scrap from old Wheelie Bins, a good example of closed loop recycling.