FAQ – questions and answers about EPP recycling

Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is a unique material. It resembles Styrofoam in its structure but is not as stiff and fragile. EPP is characterized by its very good resistance to various chemical and physical factors. Expanded polypropylene is widely used in the production of packaging and various fittings for multiple industries.

EPP recycling process consists of the following stages:

First stage – preparation of material for the recycling process: selection and cleaning

Second stage – fragmentation and densification of material into the agglomerate form

Third stage – extrusion of material

Fourth stage – granulation. Cooled-down threads of material are directed to the slicer, where knives cut the material to the appropriate shape.

Fifth stage – packing. The granulate is packed into the big bags, in which it is stored and ready to sell.

Expanded polypropylene is a material with a wide range of applications. It is ideal for industries such as: logistics, automotive, food industry, household articles, HVAC, insulations, physiotherapy & rehabilitation, HORECA, model-making. The material is acquired from the manufacturers of EPP products, logistics companies and also from the companies that specialize in complex EPP waste pickup. Acquired expanded polypropylene undergoes the recycling process, from which we obtain pure polypropylene (PP) granulate.

All products and fittings made of expanded polypropylene can be recycled. It is a big advantage of this material. The polypropylene (PP) obtained in the recycling process can be used for further production – plastics processing. This is how we can take a significant care about our environment. Each kilogram of EPP recycled by us means less waste on the junkyards and in our surroundings.

The final product of the process is a pure ProNOVEL granulate – polypropylene (PP) – with very good properties. It can be used in the plastics moulding. Purity of ProNOVEL granulate, and repeatability of the process positions our product on par with the original. ProNOVEL has a wide scope of application in packaging, boxes, car parts and products used in construction and in household.

Expanded polypropylene has a lot of applications in many industries and products due to its properties. The possibility of melting metal or plastic inserts inside of its structure additionally increases its potential usage. You can find a few of its properties below:

• Available in different colors (for example: black, white, grey, blue, orange, green, red)
• Available in different densities, from 20 g/l to 250 g/l
• Capability of enduring heavy loads (including repeated impacts) without deformations
• Lightness – essential everywhere, where both safety and light weight matter, for example in transportation, packaging, or automotive industry – car parts made of EPP
• High thermal insulation properties – excellent in thermal boxes for food products, or as a pipe insulation
• Chemical inertness – EPP does not react with oils, nitro solvents, greases, acetone, cyanoacrylate adhesives and many other chemicals
• Excellent acoustic properties – EPP guarantees a high muting level and that is why it is great for use in the casings of ventilation devices or in the products of everyday use
• Ease of forming – that allows the production of even the most complicated shapes
• Low water and moisture absorption – which, joined with very good thermal properties makes EPP applicable for use in bathrooms, saunas, and for the production of parts that are placed outdoors.

All of the above-mentioned advantages and possibilities of expanded polypropylene will increase its market presence in many different industries. Every product has its lifecycle after which it is withdrawn from the market. Developed recycling process will ensure utilization of expanded polypropylene and further use of obtained granulate.

EPP waste transportation is arranged individually. We have great capacities and experience in transport optimization. We cooperate with many transportation companies ensuring the best solutions.

Manufactured polypropylene granulate – ProNOVEL – goes to our clients, where it is used in the process of plastics injection. It is also used in the production of products for multiple industries. It is a typical process of waste reusing.