Plastic Recycling

[safetydan]

I'm looking for a recycling method for packaging scrap I have in my process. The materials are extruded PVC, EVA and Saran. The problem I've been running into is either with the EVA or the chlorine content of the material. The other issue is the material is from the food industry and there is potential for residual foods to be in the scrap. My facility generates about 400 tons of the material a year and my company has 4 other plants that make similar scrap but with higher volumes.

I've been searching extensively and have yet to come up with anything. Does anyone know of a recycler or out of the box reuse for this material other than filling up our landfills? Any help is grateful. Thanks.

 

[Demon3]

What mechanical properties does the blend have? Knowing that it may be possible to think up an application where those are sufficient. My first thought is to make a cheap hot melt adhesive out of it.

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[safetydan]

I'm not sure what the mechanical properties are of the material. It similar to the packaging material used for hot dogs.

 

[patprimmer]

Are they separate or mixed.

EVA and Saran are useful as raw materials for builders film. PVC n the mix would be a problem for that use.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[patprimmer]

Opps

Saran was PVC or PVdC, but is now PE due to environmental pressures. My post above presumes it is PE.

The EVA actually enhances the properties of PE in builders film

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[safetydan]

The material is layered when it is extruded. PVC on top of EVA on top of Saran. I actually have a company in China that is willing to recycle the material, however there is a problem with a potential contamination issue. The material is coming from the meat industry and keeping some meat scraps out of the material after packaging (production errors) is a challenge.

 

[plasgears]

Speaking of China, do not source your materials there. You will be playing with fire and disaster. My supplier sourced their acetal there, and we experienced much infant mortality. Our customers removed work from our shop, heads rolled, and the company was sold twice in 4 yrs.