The impact of polymer selection and recycling on the sustainability of injection moulded parts

Abstract

This study is aimed at providing an overview of how different materials can affect the sustainability of plastic injection moulded parts. A material is typically chosen to satisfy predefined criteria or functions. From a sustainability point of view, one could either choose ‘cleaner’ virgin materials or consider using recycled supplies. This study looked into three different widely used materials, both in the virgin and regrind state: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid (PLA) and 30% Glass-Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene (PP30GF). The regrind content of the three materials was analysed at six different virgin-to-recycled ratios. From the analysis, it was clear that no particular material was superior in terms of all the three environmental, economic and social pillars, as this depends on various factors such as the intended function of the product. Each material exhibited several environmental and functional advantages and disadvantages. This makes it rather difficult to rank the materials in order of preference. For the particular case study used in this study, PP30GF with 100% regrind content resulted to be the most apt option.