Transforming HDPE Single Use Plastic Bags into Valuable Products
Introduction
The direct extrusion process employed in making plastic bags is so precise that only virgin resin is suitable. Recycled resin often leads to thin spots and breakages, which makes it unsuitable for such processes. Instead, a significant portion of these bags is used in innovative ways, one of which is in the creation of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC).Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) from Recycled HDPE
WPC is a sustainable material that merges wood and plastic together, creating a durable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lumber. The production process involves using recycled polyethylene (PE) to bind recycled wood or sawdust. This mixture is then extruded to form various WPC products.The Production Process
The process starts with the recycling of HDPE from single-use plastic bags. A preprinted shrinkfit tube, resembling the label on a shampoo bottle, forms the outer layer of the WPC. The inner layer comprises 50% recycled polyethylene and 50% sawdust or woodchippings. This composite is then shaped into various products such as lumber, siding, flooring, and even roofing materials.Applications of WPC
Due to the versatility of WPC, various applications have emerged. These include: Stud lumber: Basic solid stud lumber that resembles vintage TreXx lumber from the 1990s. Hollow-core wide profile: Requires slightly more expensive machines to create embossed and co-extruded goods. Interlocking siding and flooring: Suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Corrugated roofing: A practical option for creating weather-resistant roofing materials.Wood Shredding and Wood Pallets
To produce the necessary wood content for WPC, the wood is sourced from pallets. Approximately 500 million wood pallets are disposed of annually worldwide. Each pallet can yield up to 50 pounds of wood shards, making it economically viable to produce a significant amount of WPC. One pallet can produce up to 60 to 100 feet of composite deck boards, with the recycled HDPE from 40 to 80 shopping bags binding the decking together.PlastiBlocks: An Innovation in Plastic Brick Production
Despite the demand for WPC, the market still requires more products. To address this, Omachron Plastics in Ontario has developed PlastiBlocks. These are roughly five-pound bricks made directly from baled semisorted waste, coded 1 through 7, which ensures a wide range of recyclable materials can be used. Each 1100-pound bale can produce 220 bricks.Features of PlastiBlocks
PlastiBlocks are designed to be lightweight while maintaining durability. They can have small voids, occasional strands of fiberglass, and rare aluminum staples, but are certified free of steel and bottle glass. The company also offers nine consistent colors through the addition of a solvent-based pigment. This makes them suitable for various construction and landscaping applications.Conclusion
Transforming HDPE single-use plastic bags into valuable products through WPC and PlastiBlocks represents a significant step towards sustainability. As the demand for eco-friendly building materials grows, innovative recycling processes like these are crucial in reducing waste and promoting a greener future. Whether used in construction or landscaping, the benefits of these recycled products are clear and significant.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)?
Wood Plastic Composite is a composite material made of wood and plastic, blended together to create a durable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lumber.
Q: What are the benefits of using PlastiBlocks?
PlastiBlocks offer a range of benefits, including sustainability, durability, and a wide range of color options. They are suitable for various construction and landscaping applications.
Q: Where does the wood content come from?
The wood content is sourced from discarded wood pallets, which are rich in wood shreds that can be used to produce WPC and PlastiBlocks.