Recycled HDPE resins lose approximately 20% of their properties with respect to virgin resins, although this is avoided by incorporating additives to the resin.
The properties that are most modified are density, tensile strength and elongation, related to the moisture content and type of contaminant, as shown in the table on the following page.
The material processed under optimum conditions can use 25% regranulate combined with virgin material without exposing the functionality and quality of the product. The contaminants that affect the recycling of HDPE are the following:
- Food waste and dust
- Inks and labels
- Elastomers
- Copper
Comparison of the properties of Virgin High Density Polyethylene Vrs. Recycled
