What types of plastic can be recycled?
Plastics are divided into two types: thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. The classification criteria are based on the molecular linkage structure. Thermoplastics have a molecular linkage structure of long, straight chains. When heated and pressured, they can be melted and recycled, but their mechanical properties are reduced. In contrast, thermosetting plastics have a molecular linkage structure of a network. This makes them resistant to high heat and pressure, but if subjected to high temperatures and pressures that cause chemical structural changes, they can no longer be melted and molded into new products.
How many types of recycled plastic are there?
There are seven types of recyclable plastics. We can identify them by the recycling symbol and the number in the center. This symbol and number on plastic products are very useful because they make it easier to sort them before they enter the recycling process.
EPS (Expandable Polystyrene) foam is a thermoplastic and is over 100% recyclable. This is indicated by the recycling symbol with the number 6 in the center. Products derived from recycled EPS foam can range from recycled plastic pellets to molded products such as cream jars, rulers, packaging, coat hangers, and picture frames.
Beyond plastic recycling, another global trend is adding value to discarded plastics by combining innovative manufacturing and design techniques with recycled materials. This transforms them into new, sustainable products with attractive designs (upcycling), creating a continuous circular economy without depleting natural resources.
References
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/g804/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321/
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
