At Polymer Processors, we believe in giving plastic a second life. We see plastic not as waste but as a valuable resource. While the idea of recycling is simple, the process of turning plastic waste into a usable, high-quality material is a precise, multi-step journey.
We transform scrap plastics such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Polypropylene (PP) into recycled pellets. These finished pellets are then sold back to manufacturers to be again made into new products.
So, what exactly happens after plastic waste arrives at our facility?
The journey begins when plastic waste, either post-consumer or post-industrial, arrives at our Braeside facility. Our wash plants and shredding equipment break the plastic down into small chips or flakes. This is a crucial step that cleans the material of any dirt, dust, or sand. Unlike smaller operations, our state-of-the-art wash plants ensure a much higher quality output from the start.
After the plastic is cleaned and shredded, it’s fed into one of our best-in-class extruder machines. Here, the plastic is melted down into a thick, syrupy consistency. The extrusion process pushes this molten plastic through a long barrel, which filters out any remaining contaminants and other unwanted materials. This purification process is a key part of our commitment to producing a consistent, high-quality product.
As the purified, molten plastic leaves the extruder, it is pushed through a die with dozens of small holes. A water stream immediately rushes over the plastic, cooling it down and causing it to solidify. At the same time, a blade spins around, chopping the plastic into small, three or four-millimeter pellets. These pellets are then packaged and sold to manufacturers.
Our high-quality pellets are used by manufacturers to create all kinds of new products. For example, we supply Australia’s largest plant pot manufacturer located just a short drive from our facility. They rely on the quality and consistency of our pellets to create products like black or even custom-colored plant pots. This process is a perfect example of the circular economy in action: we take plastic that has served its purpose and transform it into the raw material for a new, valuable product.
We’re proud to be a crucial part of the sustainable manufacturing lifecycle in Australia. If you’re a business looking for a reliable partner to help with your plastic waste or supply you with high-quality recycled pellets, contact us to learn more.