TPE Mechanical Recycling
We focus on the most common recycling method, mechanical TPE recycling. It occurs through a process that is similar to the recycling of other thermoplastics. The specific steps involved in TPE recycling may vary depending on the type of TPE and the recycling facility, but the general process typically includes the following stages:
1. Collecting &
Sorting
2. Cleaning
& Preparation
3. Shredding or Granulating
The first step involves collecting TPE waste materials from various sources, such as manufacturing scrap, consumer products, or post-industrial waste. These materials may include TPE products that have reached the end of their lifecycle.
TPE waste is cleaned to remove contaminants, such as dirt, labels, adhesives, and other non-TPE materials. Proper cleaning is essential to ensure the quality of the recycled TPE.
The cleaned TPE waste is then mechanically processed through shredding or granulation equipment to reduce it to small, manageable pieces or pellets. This step increases the surface area for effective processing.
4. Extrusion and Melt Processing
The shredded or granulated TPE material is then melted and formed into a uniform, molten state through extrusion or other melt processing methods.
5. Cooling & Pelletization
6. Quality Control
7. Blending & Compounding
The molten TPE is cooled and solidified into pellets or granules. These recycled TPE pellets can be used as feedstock for manufacturing new TPE products.
Quality control measures are in place to ensure that the recycled TPE meets specific standards and customer requirements. This may involve testing for properties like hardness, flexibility, and chemical composition.
In some cases, recycled TPE pellets may be blended with virgin (new) TPE material to achieve the desired properties or improve the performance of the recycled TPE
8. New product manufacturing
The recycled TPE pellets are used as raw materials for manufacturing new TPE products. These products can include items like automotive parts, consumer goods, and various other applications.
It's important to note that the exact recycling process may vary based on the type of TPE, its specific formulation, and the recycling facility's capabilities. Additionally, while mechanical recycling is the most common method for TPE recycling, some TPE's may also be suitable for chemical or thermal recycling processes.
Efforts are ongoing to develop more efficient and sustainable methods for TPE recycling and to increase the use of recycled TPE in various applications, contributing to environmental sustainability and resource conservation.