Plastic 4 Recycling Offered

A commonly used type of plastic not currently recycled by most local authorities can now be easily and economically recycled thanks to a new initiative offered by Convex Plastics. 

Convex is actively working to reduce landfill waste and the amount of virgin non-renewable materials used by offering a recycling service for Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic with the resin code 4.

LDPE Plastic 4 includes shrink film, food storage film and supermarket, rubbish and shopping bags – which, once recycled, can be used as a component of rubbish bags and most other polyethylene packaging.

In partnership with a supplier company, Convex recycled over 500 tons of LDPE Plastic 4 waste last year and is now looking to significantly increase that volume by extending their recycling capabilities to their customers and other interested organisations.

Convex Managing Director, Owen Embling says, “We are increasingly being asked to help companies operate in a more environmentally responsible manner, and providing a recycling service for plastics not currently catered for is one very easy way to do this. It also has the added benefit of providing us with more post consumer waste, which we can then incorporate into most three-layer plastic packaging to benefit the environment and provide considerable cost savings for our customers.”

A recent price analysis carried out by Convex Plastics for one of their larger customers revealed that incorporating just 20% post consumer waste (PCW) into their standard plastic packaging would save 10,000kg of raw materials over a 12 month period – and lower the cost of the packaging.

Owen says, “Up to 20% PCW can be incorporated into most plastic packaging without compromising the structural integrity of the film. The finished film will still offer the same strength qualities as normal polyethylene, and the same print quality if it is laminated, but it will be a lot cheaper because PCW costs less than virgin materials.”

Convex is helping to encourage LDPE Plastic 4 recycling by offering 30c per kg to any company or organisation that is prepared to sort and send their LDPE Plastic 4 waste to the Convex plant in Hamilton.

Owen says, “This will more than cover the cost of shipping the waste to us and will be a lot more economical and environmentally friendly than dumping the waste elsewhere. Selling their LDPE Plastic 4 waste to us will also provide companies with audited proof that they taking positive steps to minimise their impact on the environment.”

To find out more about LDPE Plastic 4 recycling please contact Greg Burtenshaw or Owen Embling at: 07 847 5133 or enquiriesham@convex.co.nz.