5 replies to this topic

[Kakashi-01]

 I am participating in a competition to identify new markets for recycling around 2000 tonnes HDPE oil containers colllected annually. About 80 % of these containers are blowded molded while the remaining are injeciton molded. They previously contained gear oil, hydraulic fluid, and engine oil. The market for recycled HDPE from oil containers is currently limited to applications like new oil containers or plastic lumber, making processors less incentivized to collect them because of the backlog inventory they have.

Currently, the market for recycled HDPE from these containers is limited to applications such as new oil containers or plastic lumber leading to inventory backlogs and making processors less incentivized to collect them.

The recycling process description provided to us is somewhat vague, making it difficult to suggest improvements or assess the processors' capabilities. The process includes:
 

• Manual removal of contaminants such as metal and non-program plastic containers
• Shredding containers into flakes (<25mm)
• Some processors wash and centrifuge the flakes to remove oil others dont, but label residue (paper and glue) remains a challenge.
• Depending on the end product, flakes may be mixed with other plastics or pelletized, though all processors currently lack pelletizing capabilities

I was considering agricultural pipes as a potential market since they have less stringent requirements (
https://www.scienced...959652620341263) and could be a single large customer for the processors, given the collection rates and process losses for the recycled HDPE. However, I'm finding conflicting information some sources suggest processors can blend recycled HDPE with virgin plastic for pipes, while others indicate that its a last-resort material with significant losses in functionality makes it more suitable for the existing markets.

I am also trying to understand how to predict pricing for a new market and what would incentivize a pipe manufacturer to source recycled HDPE instead of purchasing virgin plastic from a supplier producing at much larger production rates, benefitting from economies of scale.

[breizh]

What about the production of pallets instead of wood. higher resistance,

[Kakashi-01]

Actually, flakes are already used to produce pallets and various other lumber-type products, including:

• Chock blocks
• Curb stops
• Decks
• Fence posts
• Garden planters
• Hot tub steps
• Outdoor benches and chairs
• Tables
• Various sizes of plastic lumber

I was thinking about chemical containers used for in-plant mixing and blending. 

[breizh]

Hi,

Piping for irrigation.
Breizh

[shvet1]

@Dumpmeadrenaline

Are you sure you are seeking for a professional advise at a correct forum? Is it a chemical engineering?

[Kakashi-01]

@Dumpmeadrenaline

Are you sure you are seeking for a professional advise at a correct forum? Is it a chemical engineering?

 

Although the competition isn't strictly related to chemical engineering, I decided to post here because I've received some of the best advice from people in this forum.