Polypropylene, which is often shortened to “PP”, is a thermoplastic polymer which is widely used for many applications.
Like many other types of plastic, PP is an incredible material. It is used by many industries, including automotive, medical and retail to create many types of products. Its use is widespread in the manufacture of everything from bottle caps, straws and disposable diapers, bulk packaging of food grains, and different kinds of chemicals. In 2013, the FDA approved recycled polypropylene as food-safe. PP has a high melting point which means it can withstand high temperatures (such as microwaving) and doesn’t react to liquids, acids or bases so it’s safe to store a range of food and liquid types.
Because polypropylene is so adaptable, it can be recycled into various different types of products, including fibres for clothing, industrial materials and kitchenware. For example, polypropylene fabric is used to create textiles for upholstery, and for industry and manufacturing. A wide range of products for various outdoor or indoor application fields can be manufactured using recycled PP edging: composite lumber, plant pots, furniture for garden, industrial fibres, pipes, pallets, crates, automotive parts, speed humps, playground equipment, paint cans, transport boxes and household goods.
Woven propylene fabric is used to create bags, and many other different types of products. Woven PP fabric is often bought in bulk, in the form of a roll that can then be used to create sacks for sandbags, bulk coffee, rice and other dry goods. FIBCs - “flexible intermediate bulk containers”, also known as bulk bags/big bags/ totes, are used by many retailers, manufacturers and industrial suppliers.
Since woven polypropylene bags come in many forms, it may make it tougher to spot what’s recyclable and what’s not. But polypropylene fabric, no matter what its end use, is recyclable. Therefore, like regular plastic bags, bulk bags are also recyclable. FIBC recycling companies can be found throughout the world and often offer a variety of recycling options.
Recycling PP is critical when it comes to minimizing waste and protecting our environment. There are many reasons why it’s worth putting the effort into recycling PP; it’s better for our environment, our health, and it helps create many new and much-needed products that we rely on every day. Also, sustainability is one of the most talked about aspects of plastic products today.
Unfortunately, only about 10% of PP is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, where it slowly decomposes and can release hazardous fumes and chemicals. Therefore, polypropylene recycling should be a necessary function of the polypropylene lifecycle, though in order to make sure we recycle PP properly, it’s important to understand the limitations of polypropylene recycling.
