Plastic recycling is a crucial method in the re-manufacturing of plastics. Currently, less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled. Recycling plastic from waste serves as a raw material for producing new products.

 

This process is vital in today’s world, as plastics are largely non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for centuries. Plastic recycling not only reduces plastic waste but also conserves natural resources and energy.

 

Plastic recycling can be categorized into three main methods: mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and thermal recycling. In this article, we will explore the best practices and recycling lines.

This is the most common method of recycling plastic materials. In this process, plastics are collected, washed, shredded, and melted. The melted plastic is then transformed into new products.

Advantages of Mechanical Recycling:

• Cost-effective: This is the cheapest method of recycling plastic waste.
• Energy-efficient: It requires less energy than producing new plastic.

Disadvantages of Mechanical Recycling:

• Quality reduction: Recycled plastics tend to lose some quality, making them inferior to virgin plastics. In Iran, using plastic recycling machines is the most efficient and cost-effective method for recycling plastic waste.

In this method, plastics are broken down into their primary chemical components. These chemicals are then used to produce new plastic or other products.

Advantages of Chemical Recycling:

• High quality: The quality of recycled plastic is comparable to petrochemical-grade materials.

Disadvantages of Chemical Recycling:

• Expensive: This method is costlier than mechanical recycling.
• High energy consumption: It requires more energy compared to mechanical methods.

This method involves burning plastics and utilizing the heat generated to produce energy.

Advantages of Thermal Recycling:

• Volume reduction: It significantly decreases the volume of plastic waste.
• Energy production: It can be used to generate electricity or heat.

Disadvantages of Thermal Recycling:

• Pollution: This method can generate significant environmental pollutants.

1. Manual and Automated Sorting: In this first step, plastics are separated by workers or machines based on type, color, and quality.
2. Shredding and Washing: The collected plastics are shredded into smaller pieces and washed to remove contaminants.
3. Melting and Granulating: After washing, the plastics are melted and formed into small granules, which can serve as raw materials for new products.

Mechanical recycling is a crucial step toward environmental preservation and resource conservation. With increasing public awareness, infrastructure development, and government support, mechanical recycling can play a larger role in managing plastic wast

• Misleading Symbols on Plastic Packaging: One of the biggest barriers to plastic recycling is misleading symbols, which often confuse consumers and lead to improper sorting of plastics.
  
  
• Technical and Economic Limitations: Recycling plastics is often more challenging than recycling metals due to their lower density and profitability, especially in developing countries lacking adequate recycling infrastructure

• Recycling Code 1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• Recycling Code 3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Recycling Code 4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

The plastic industry has introduced resin identification codes to facilitate the recycling process, helping consumers and recycling facilities identify and separate different types of plastic

• United States: As of 2017, only 8% of plastics consumed in the U.S. were recycled, with most ending up in landfills or incinerators due to improper sorting and technical limitations.
  
  
• Japan: Japan is a leader in plastic recycling, with recycling rates increasing from 39% in 1996 to 86% in 2017, thanks to effective infrastructure and public awareness initiatives.

Recycling plastic has become a profitable industry, providing a solution to plastic pollution and conserving natural resources. Investment in this sector can yield significant economic and environmental benefits.

Benefits of Investing:

• Profitability: High demand for recycled plastic products ensures good returns.
• Growing Market: Increasing public awareness of recycling benefits drives demand for recycled products.
• Environmental Conservation: Recycling helps reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.
• Job Creation: The recycling industry can create new employment opport

1. Collecting and Baling Plastics: Purchase waste plastics, press them, and send them to washing plants.
2. Plastic Grinding Workshop: Shred clean waste plastics using industrial grinders and send them to granule manufacturers.
3. Establishing a Plastic Washing Line: Invest in washing machinery to clean and shred plastics for granule production.
4. Setting Up a Granule Production Factory: With granulating machines, recycle ground plastics into granules for sale to domestic and foreign manufacturers.

With sufficient initial investment, all four stages of plastic recycling can be implemented to establish a profitable factory. Given the economic and environmental advantages, investing in this industry presents a suitable opportunity for investors.

Conclusion

Plastic recycling is an unavoidable necessity in today’s world. The need for innovative recycling methods and heightened public awareness regarding the importance of plastic recycling is more pressing than ever. Developing appropriate infrastructure and encouraging consumers and manufacturers to properly sort and recycle plastics can effectively contribute to environmental preservation and optimal resource use.