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From trial and error to trial and success

Trial and error is a well-known development process when converting prime materials into recycled raw materials. At Q Plastics, we work until we have achieved trial and success. Our search process and accurate testing are always focused on finding a personalised solution. We would like to illustrate this with a successful achievement.

A deep-freeze company wanted to switch to recycled raw materials for its 600 to 800 millimetre plastic containers. The containers were previously manufactured with prime natural HDPE material MFI 8, with the addition of grey dye. For the switch to recycling, regranulate or mill material, the use of HDPE scrap was the obvious choice. However, the material had to be able to withstand deep-freeze temperatures, which offers a specific challenge.

The right colour

What is the biggest challenge when it comes to recycled raw materials? Finding the right colour in mill material. We finally managed to find the right combination of a mixture of 75% grey LDPE mill material and 25% white PP mill material to ensure the appropriate colour after regranulation. The grey colour was slightly darker, and the MFI was only 1.5 due to the low viscosity of the LDPE, which is normally too little for an injection moulding process. Based on our expertise and sense of innovation, Q Plastics set up a test run. And the result was a success.

A slightly higher injection pressure for the six-way hot runner mould compensated for the low MFI of 1.5. The containers were a little softer, but passed the low temperature tests with flying colours. For the customer, the switch resulted in a saving of €0.71/kg or €2.272/container.

Do you want to take the step to recycled raw materials? Q Plastics is happy to support you and provide guidance.