Plastic plays a role in today’s world with its diverse uses across different sectors thanks to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness which make it convenient as well. However, its extensive utilization brings about environmental issues. The enduring characteristic of plastic causes it to persist in the environment for periods and contributes to pollution issues that we face today. This piece explores the distinctions between consumer recycled plastic (PCR) and virgin plastic with a focus, on highlighting PCR as an environmentally friendly choice.

What is PCR?

Post recycled plastic (PCR) which comes from plastic items previously used and disposed of by consumers,  is obtained through recycling initiatives where the items are gathered and processed to produce raw materials, for manufacturing new plastic products.

Benefits of Using PCR

Using PCR offers various advantages, primarily related to its sustainability:

• Environmental Impact: Utilizing PCR technology in processes reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise accumulate in landfills and oceans. Thereby helping to lessen pollution and prevent environmental harm.
• Resource Conservation: PCR helps to preserve natural resources such, as petroleum and natural gas that are extensively utilized in the production of new plastic materials.
• Energy Efficiency: Creating plastic from scratch generally results in a lower carbon footprint compared to recycling plastic as the process of recycling often requires energy consumption.
• Enable Circular Economy Practices: Recycling plastic plays a role, in keeping plastic out of landfills and oceans by reintroducing it into the economy through a circular system that transforms trash into a valuable commodity.

What is Virgin Plastic?

Virgin plastic is created using materials sourced from fuels such, as petroleum or natural gas through a manufacturing process that involves extracting and refining crude oil or natural gas to acquire the essential raw materials.

1. Extraction of Raw Materials

The production of virgin plastic starts with extracting raw materials, mainly crude oil or natural gas. These activities can have significant environmental impacts, such as habitat disruption, oil spills, and greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Refining and Cracking

Extracted crude oil or natural gas is transported to refineries for cracking. Cracking breaks down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones(ethylene and propylene). These are the building blocks for plastic production.

3. Polymerisation

The tiny particles created during cracking go through polymerization. A chemical process that connects them to create polymer chains that make up the main structures of plastic resins, like polyethylene and polypropylene.

4. Pelletisation

The resulting plastic resin is cooled and solidified. Then cut into small pellets known as virgin plastic pellets. These pellets are then packaged and shipped to manufacturers to create various plastic products.

Carbon Footprint – PCR vs Virgin Plastic

• Virgin Plastic: Creating plastic requires the extraction and processing of fossil fuels which results in the emission of significant greenhouse gases (GHGs). Each stage of the process. From extracting and moving oil or natural gas to turning these substances into polymers. Adds to a considerable carbon footprint.
• PCR: PCR manufacturing plays a role in reducing the carbon footprint by cutting down on the necessity for extracting new fossil fuels and thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. The energy used for gathering and processing plastic waste is lower, than that required for producing plastic materials.

Energy Consumption – PCR vs Virgin Plastic

• Virgin Plastic: Producing plastic consumes a lot of energy since it involves using significant amounts of energy sourced mainly from non-renewable sources, for extracting raw materials and transforming them into pellets through polymerization.
• PCR: Producing PCR involves using energy since recycling bypasses the first steps of extracting and refining raw materials. Even though recycling is energy intensive it is more energy efficient overall and has a smaller impact, on natural resources.

Waste Generation – PCR vs Virgin Plastic

• Virgin Plastic: The production of plastic creates a lot of waste due to leftovers from the refining and polymerization processes used in manufacturing it. Items produced from new plastic add, to the increasing issue of waste especially when not properly discarded or used just once.
• PCR: The utilization of PCR helps in reducing waste production by redirecting waste away, from landfills and incinerators. Recycling plastics used by consumers after consumption reduces the amount of waste produced and prolongs the lifespan of current materials while encouraging a circular economy.

Case Study: Intco’s Solution

INTCO Plastics is a company that produces and supplies recycled plastic pellets for various manufacturing needs offering tailored plastic solutions to meet specific demands. They are known for their technology, in resource recycling and have developed a complete supply chain utilizing recycled plastics.

INTCO’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its process design capability, where it offers a comprehensive product lifecycle management system utilizing advanced information recording, ensuring traceability from raw material recovery to manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and final sales. This focus on traceability aligns with the increasing demand for transparency in the supply chain and assures customers about the origin and sustainability of the recycled plastic used in their products.

INTCO also provides professional process recommendations to help customers optimize their production processes, aiming for cost reduction and efficiency improvement. This approach ensures that the use of recycled plastics not only benefits the environment but also makes business sense for manufacturers.

Moreover ‘s widespread international network of recycling facilities ensures a flow of recycled materials to fulfill the ever-changing demands of the market. This extensive reach secures a continuous source of recycled pellets, for various global markets to promote the extensive use of PCR. Their commitment to utilizing recycled materials positions them as a provider in the worldwide effort, for sustainability.

Conclusion

PCR is considered an eco-friendly option compared to new plastic because it has a smaller environmental impact and helps conserve resources while also lowering carbon emissions. This choice supports an economy by cutting down on waste and encouraging environmental responsibility. Opting for PCR is in line with the increasing call from consumers and regulators for eco-friendly approaches that help the environment and meet market standards. The efforts of companies such as INTC0 are vital, in pushing the plastics industry towards a future by offering top-notch recycled plastic solutions and advocating for responsible consumption and production practices.