Improved technology for production of PE and PP regranulates

Abstract

Management of waste polymers (polyethylene - PE and polypropylene - PP) represents one of the major obstacles in the field of environmental protection, which demands a most efficient and eco-friendly technological solution. Due to the high use of various plastic materials, the amount of landfilled or dissipated plastic waste is continuously growing. Therefore, this paper examines the possibilities of recycling these polymers, alongside obtaining granules of similar or advanced physico-mechanical characteristics to the commercially available ones. The applied technology consists of several consecutive processes (collecting, grinding, washing and extruding) where the obtained materials can later be incorporated into widely applicable products, such as foils, bin liners, bags, among others. In this way, high-quality products with great market potential are obtained, which will consequently contribute to lower extraction and less depletion of natural resources. Thus major problems may be solved optimally, consolidating the efficiency of improved eco-friendly technologies which is in line with environmental protection and sustainable waste management.