Circular Plastics

The plastic injection moulding industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the global shift toward sustainability and a circular economy for plastics. Circular plastics refer to polymers that are sourced, processed, used, and recovered in a closed-loop system, minimising waste, extending material lifespans, and reducing dependence on virgin plastics.

In practical terms, this involves the use of recycled materials, bioplastics, and design-for-recycling principles in the development of injection moulded parts. RGE are able to incorporate post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastics directly into production, without compromising on quality or performance. With advancements in material processing technologies, recycled polymers can meet the demanding standards of industries such as electronics, consumer goods, and transport & logistics.

Design for disassembly, mono-material construction, and material identification are also becoming central to circular product design. RGE are able to implement these practices in order to make it easier to reclaim and recycle parts at end-of-life, while also improving traceability throughout the supply chain. As a manufacturer, we are proud to be exploring closed-loop systems, where plastic scrap generated during production is reground and reintroduced into the process, significantly reducing material waste. With our own blend of recycled plastics made in house from the material produced at the Regrind Centre, we are able to use a large percentage of recycled plastic in the products we produce.

RGE is able to offer design support for any injection moulding project using recycled materials, as different factors need to be considered to ensure that the strength and finish are comparable in quality to virgin plastic alternatives. Our design and technical teams have vast experience working on projects that have pushed the boundaries of what is capable when moulding with recycled and recyclable materials.

By applying the circular economy and its three main principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, it is possible to use plastic as a sustainable material, keeping it out of landfill and utilising the range of benefits that plastics have to offer.