There are different types of plastics that are identified in this way, namely PVC, polystyrene, PET, polypropylene and polyethylene. The majority of the plastic materials we use in our lives are made from these plastics, for example the packing of many foods(such asdisposable plastic cups, plates and containers) and a lot of daily used desks or chairs. The different types of plastic are used for different purposes. They also have different characteristics. The most commonly used type is polyethylene. Much of this material can be found in plastic bags and film, but also, for example, in squeeze bottles for washing-up liquid or shampoo. On the code of the packaging you can often find what type of plastic the product is made of. This also makes it clear whether it can be recycled. It is also intended to make it easier to separate plastics. Reuse of plastic When using the first plastics such as bakelite and celluloid, they wanted to compensate for the scarcity of natural products such as ivory and exotic wood. Later, the emphasis was placed somewhere else, namely that plastics also have better properties than many natural products. For example, it does not rust, is lighter, breaks less quickly and does not need to be painted. It is also easier to get it in the desired shape and it insulates well. Recycling of plastic Plastic is often recycled. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it has to do with the fact that we have become more aware of the increasing scarcity of raw materials. These run out at a given moment. Furthermore, in the long term it is also impossible to constantly throw our waste on a rubbish dump or burn it. That is also not good for the environment. A second aspect that is also important is that it is often cheaper to recycle plastic than to make it again. After all, the raw materials no longer have to be extracted, because that has already happened. Recycled plastic Once the plastic has been collected, it is taken to transfer stations. Several municipalities supply their plastic there. It is then compressed so that it is free of air. This makes it easier to transport because it takes up less space. Then it goes after a sorting installation where the plastic is separated. There are special machines that can separate the different types of plastic. Hardly any waste remains, only 2 percent. These are often food scraps. At the sorting company, the plastic packaging waste is further divided into six different types. These six types are then purchased by companies that deal with the processing of plastic. It is strictly ensured that the companies actually reuse the purchased plastic. Much of the material is then used to make new products or packaging. Good examples of this are, for example, equipment or tennis balls that are made from PET or jerry cans that are made from (HD) PE. Recycled plastic sheets, posts, garden furniture and beams are also made.
...read more