Understanding the plastic types and their recyclability is crucial for anyone committed to sustainability. Despite growing awareness, the recycling process remains a mystery to many. In this blog, we take a look at the journey of plastic, from waste to valuable and sustainable end products, and shed light on how the right choices can make a big difference.

The 7 Types of Plastics

Plastics are categorised into seven types, each with unique properties and uses. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Commonly used for drink bottles and food containers, PET is highly recyclable and often turned into fibers for clothing or new containers.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Found in milk jugs and shampoo bottles, HDPE is sturdy and easy to recycle into pipes, pallets, or playground equipment.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Used in pipes and window frames, PVC is less commonly recycled due to its complex composition.
4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): This flexible plastic appears in shopping bags and wraps. While historically challenging to recycle, advancements now allow LDPE to be repurposed into items like bin liners and furniture.
5. PP (Polypropylene): Found in yogurt containers and bottle caps, PP is recyclable into products like car parts and textiles.
6. PS (Polystyrene): Used in disposable cups and packaging, PS recycling is limited but improving with modern technologies.
7. Other (Miscellaneous): This category includes a mix of plastics like polycarbonate. Recycling these materials depends on specific facilities and technologies.

The Typical Recycling Process:

Recycling plastic involves several key stages:

1. Collection: Plastics are gathered from homes, businesses, and recycling bins. This varies by country, county and even postcode depending on infrastructure capabilities.
2. Sorting: Facilities use advanced technologies like infrared scanners to sort plastics by type and colour.
3. Cleaning: Contaminants like food residue are removed to ensure high-quality recycling.
4. Shredding: Plastics are broken into smaller pieces or pellets.
5. Melting and Reforming: These pellets are melted and moulded into new products, completing the cycle.

Why Understanding Plastic Types Matters

Knowing which plastics can be recycled empowers consumers to make informed choices. For instance, opting for products in PET or HDPE packaging increases the likelihood of effective recycling. Avoiding items made from non-recyclable plastics, like certain PS products, reduces environmental harm. The more manufacturers and regulators can do to educate consumers on which plastics are recyclable and non-recyclable, the better consumers can make informed decisions around usage and the products they purchase.

How Circular11 Contributes to the Cycle

At Circular11, we specialise in transforming recycled plastics into durable, sustainable products for outdoor spaces. Our mission is to close the loop on plastic waste by giving it a second life. By investing in cutting-edge recycling technologies and partnering with like-minded organisations and consumers, we’re shaping a future where waste is a resource, not a problem.

Take Action Today

Every individual and organisation can contribute to better recycling outcomes. Some of the things we can all do is:

• Checking local recycling guidelines to understand what materials are accepted.
• Choosing products made from recyclable materials whenever possible.
• Support companies like Circular11 that prioritise sustainability.
• Invest in plastic products that have been recycled and can be recycled again, rather than short-term materials that deteriorate and require ongoing maintenance.

Together we can ensure that plastics are not just discarded but reborn, contributing to a healthier planet for generations to come.