The Importance of Industrial Plastic Recycling
Sustainability is no longer just a talking point—it’s a competitive advantage. As businesses face rising pressure to reduce waste and make smarter use of materials, many are turning to sustainable plastic solutions to meet those demands. Extera’s industrial plastic recycling process is designed to turn plastic waste into value—recovering, refining, and repurposing post-industrial materials that would otherwise go to waste.
However, recycling isn’t always as simple as tossing scrap into a bin. Some plastics require specific equipment and processes to make them usable again, and not all recycling programs use the same process. By understanding how the plastic recycling process works, businesses can make more informed choices about the materials they use, how they manage waste, and how they meet their sustainability goals.
Extera’s Recycling Process: From Collection to Reuse
Extera follows a structured, high-efficiency recycling process to convert plastic waste into valuable raw material for reuse in manufacturing. Here’s how it works:
Sourcing Scrap Materials
Extera works with injection molders, manufacturers, and recyclers to acquire post-industrial plastic waste. This includes:
- Molded parts that do not meet specifications
- Purge materials from color changes
- Sprues and runners from plastic molding processes
- Broken pallets and containers that can no longer be used safely
Sorting & Contamination Removal
Before starting the plastic recycling process, materials are carefully inspected to remove contaminants like metal and foreign objects. Magnets and quality control checks prevent contamination from entering the recycling stream.
Size Reduction & Grinding
Next, the plastic is broken down using high-powered grinding equipment. Large parts go through a Vecoplan shredder/grinder system, which reduces them first to golf ball-sized pieces before further granulation into flakes. Smaller parts are processed in a Cumberland granulator, which grinds up to 3,000 lbs per hour into a uniform material.
Testing & Quality Control
After grinding, the material undergoes strict testing to meet industry standards. Extera’s on-site lab equipment checks for:
- Melt flow – to assess processing performance
- Density – to ensure consistency
- Izod impact strength – to determine durability for specific applications
Repackaging & Resale
The processed material is then packaged and sold to manufacturers. They use it to create new products, reducing the need for virgin plastics. Extera supplies material to pallet and container manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and other industries seeking sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Recycling Challenges & How Extera Overcomes Them
The plastic recycling process comes with unique challenges that require intentional, well-executed solutions. One major issue is material scarcity. Certain plastics are more challenging to source because of high demand or limited availability. To mitigate this, Extera maintains strong partnerships with manufacturers, brokers, and other recyclers to maintain a steady, reliable supply of materials.
Another obstacle is the presence of contaminants and impurities, which can compromise the regrind quality. Extera addresses this by implementing rigorous inspection protocols and utilizing advanced magnets and lab testing to guarantee the production of clean, usable material.
Not all plastics are created equal—some are simply more difficult to recycle due to design complexity, such as metal reinforcements or multi-layer construction. Extera works with businesses to identify more recyclable material alternatives and encourages thoughtful product design that aligns with long-term sustainability goals.
Expanding Recycling Options with Compounding and Pelletizing
Compounding and pelletizing take recycling a step further by refining regrind into higher-value, customizable materials. Compounding enhances the quality and consistency of recycled plastic by introducing performance additives such as UV stabilizers and impact modifiers. These enhancements allow the material to meet more stringent manufacturing requirements, opening the door to use in various industries.
On the other hand, pelletizing involves transforming cleaned and refined material into uniform pellets that are easier to handle, store, and mold. This added step boosts the usability of recycled materials and makes them compatible with a broader range of applications.
By bringing both processes in-house, Extera reduces transportation emissions, cuts costs, and has full control over quality. Altogether, this expansion marks a significant step in delivering a more sustainable, efficient, and adaptable recycling process for businesses.
Why Businesses Should Invest in Sustainable Plastic Solutions
Integrating industrial plastic recycling offers a powerful solution for businesses facing rising material costs and growing pressure to meet sustainability targets. Recycling reduces dependence on virgin plastics and creates a closed-loop system that supports long-term resource efficiency.
From lowering expenses and extending product lifecycles to reducing landfill waste and carbon footprints, the benefits go far beyond environmental goodwill—they’re operational and strategic. Recycled materials help businesses build more resilient supply chains, align with ESG goals, and strengthen brand reputation in a sustainability-driven marketplace.
Extera provides businesses with detailed recycling reports and sustainability certificates, helping them stay compliant and demonstrate measurable impact to stakeholders.
Industrial plastic recycling plays a critical role in the future of manufacturing. Companies that invest in recycling programs position themselves for more agile, cost-effective, and sustainable operations. With the ability to manage sorting, grinding, compounding, and pelletizing under one roof, Extera helps businesses close the loop and maintain control over both material quality and cost. This approach supports reliable access to sustainable plastic solutions and reduces reliance on virgin materials. In today’s economy, it’s not just about doing the right thing—it’s about doing the smart thing to stay competitive and sustainable.
Curious how Extera’s plastic recycling process can reduce your waste, boost your bottom line, and help you meet sustainability goals? Contact us today to start building an efficient recycling strategy for your business.
