Recyclates for plastic applications
Learn all about recyclates. Whether you are looking for a plastic for a specific application or just want to learn more, you have come to the right place.
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Recycled materials for plastic applications
Recyclates for various requirements and applications
Recyclates are derived from processed plastic streams and can – depending on the material, application and process – replace virgin material in certain areas of use. We provide information on the sources, properties, processing options and areas of application for our recycled material solutions.
M·CYCLOSE® recyclates and PCR- and PIR-based masterbatches
We have developed M·CYCLOSE® material series on various base plastics and with different properties to suit your needs. We also supply customised masterbatches:
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M·CYCLOSE® bespoke
We will work with you to develop the right M·CYCLOSE® compound from post-consumer or post-industrial material specifically for your application. Please contact us if you are interested.
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M·CYCLOSE® ABS recyclate
Our ABS-based M·CYCLOSE® recyclates are made from post-consumer recyclate and can be used for many applications. Please contact us if you are interested.
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M·CYCLOSE® PMMA recyclate
Our PMMA-based M·CYCLOSE® recyclates are made from post-industrial recycled material and are suitable for a wide range of applications. Please contact us.
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M·CYCLOSE® PE recyclates
The recycled polyethylene in our M·CYCLOSE® product range is based on plastics from waste streams. M·CYCLOSE® PE recyclates can be used for a wide range of applications and processing techniques.
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Recyclate sources of our M·CYCLOSE® plastics
Find out where the recycled materials for our M·CYCLOSE® compounds come from:
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Recycled filler from waste
Huge quantities of unsorted household waste accumulate every day. What appears useless at first glance is transformed into valuable raw materials for plastics processing by our partner company UBQ using an innovative and patented technology.
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Reusing recycled materials can reduce the demand for new raw materials.
What are recyclates – definition and meaning
Recyclates are plastics and other materials recovered from products that have already been used or from waste, and which are returned to the product cycle following processing. The use of recyclates is a key component of the circular economy, as it helps to conserve natural resources and reduce waste. Recyclates can be an alternative to virgin material. They enable the reuse of processed material streams and can thus help to reduce the demand for primary raw materials.
Conclusion: Recyclates can help to conserve resources, reduce waste and replace raw materials that would otherwise have to be extracted from new sources.
Definition
Difference between post-consumer recyclates and post-industrial recyclates
Recyclates are divided into two main categories:
Post-Consumer Recyclates (PCR) originate from waste from end consumers, such as used plastic bottles or packaging, which are processed in a recycling process after use, i.e. at the end of their life cycle, and fed into a further life cycle. One example of this is the collection of "Grüne Punkt" waste.
Post-Industrial recyclates (PIR) come from waste generated during production. These materials were not used by end consumers, but are generated in one of the production steps in the industrysteps in the production process. As this waste does not fulfil the criteria for PCR, it is collected and reused in a separate recycling process (internally).
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Use of recyclates
In many markets, there is growing interest in materials containing recycled content. Depending on the application, recycled materials can help to reuse material flows and combine economic requirements with material efficiency.
A potential reduction in a product’s carbon footprint – depending on the material, application and calculation method – can be an advantage of using recycled materials.
Possible advantages of recyclates for companies
The use of recyclates can offer companies numerous benefits:
Raw material use: Using recycled materials can reduce demand for virgin raw materials.
Material cycles: If suitable material streams are recycled, the volume of waste can be reduced.
CO₂/PCF considerations: Depending on the material, reference product and calculation method, a lower pPCF may result. We can provide relevant details on request.
Regulatory requirements and cost-effectiveness: Depending on the application and market, recycled materials can help to meet regulatory requirements and, under certain conditions, offer economic benefits.
In suitable applications, using our recycled materials can help keep materials in the cycle.
Recyclates in our everyday lives
Application examples: From packaging to technical components
Recyclates are used in many industries and can – depending on the application – help to make efficient use of existing material flows. Here are a few examples:
Packaging (non-food): Recycled plastics are increasingly being used for packaging in areas such as industrial packaging, cleaning products and non-food products. This helps to reduce the need for new raw materials and minimises waste.
Food packaging: Only specially certified and tested recyclates that meet strict hygiene and safety requirements are used in this area.
Consumer goods industry: Recyclates are used in the consumer goods industry, for example in the manufacture of household goods or fashion accessories as well as in the areas of sport and leisure.
Automotive industry: Recycled materials such as plastic and metal recyclates are used in the automotive industry for the production of vehicle parts such as bumpers, dashboards or interior panelling. This helps to reduce the CO₂ footprint of vehicles. The first regulations on this are set out in the ELVR (End-of-life vehicle regulation).
Mechanical engineering: In the mechanical engineering industry, recyclates are used in the manufacture of machine parts and tools. Recycled materials offer an advantageous solution, particularly in the production of components that do not have to withstand extreme mechanical loads.
Furniture industry: Furniture manufacturers are increasingly turning to recyclates, especially for plastic and wood products. Recycled plastics are often used for furniture parts and fittings, and wood waste from furniture production is reutilised to create new furniture.
Construction industry: In the construction industry, recycled materials are used in films, insulation materials, connection technology or construction elements. An additional advantage here is that the applications in this industry segment are often invisible.
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Great variety: You can also produce your application from recyclates from the M·CYCLOSE® product range.
Processing of recyclates
Our M·CYCLOSE® recyclates can be used for a wide range of applications. They suit various processing technologies, such as injection moulding, blown film extrusion, and extrusion, and can be processed on standard plastics machines. They can also be coloured with our matching masterbatches.
Standards for recycled plastics
Quality standards and certifications for recyclates
In order to avoid "green washing" of recyclates, consortia have been formed that transparently disclose the flow of goods according to the mass balance approach. The Chain of Custody with the ISCC Plus system should also be mentioned here. Similar systems also exist for recycled materials. Others include RecyClass and the GRS (Global Recycling Standard).
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Strict testing procedures and quality controls ensure the quality of our M·CYCLOSE® recyclates.
Ensuring material quality
In contrast to virgin material, there is no guarantee that the materials in recycling streams are homogeneous and uncontaminated. It is therefore all the more necessary to check the quality of the finished recyclates. To guarantee this, we ensure strict testing procedures and quality controls.
Relevant certificates and standards for industrial applications
The EU is working on various regulations that regulate or prescribe the future use of recyclates and the return of materials at the end of their life cycle. Examples of this include the PPWR (waste regulation) and the ELVR (end-of-life vehicle regulation).
Recyclates in the circular economy
Use of materials and possible effects
Depending on the material, application and process, the use of recycled materials can help to reduce the demand for virgin raw materials.
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Depending on the material and the calculation method used, the use of recycled materials may result in a lower pPCF.
The carbon footprint of recycled materials
Using recyclates can reduce the carbon footprint. The extent of the reduction depends on the application and methodology used, and we provide details. On request, we can provide the pPCF (partial Product Carbon Footprint) for our products.
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In a circular economy, materials are reused – in contrast to a linear economy, where materials usually end up as waste.
Contributing to the circular economy in production
In suitable applications, recycled materials can help to reintroduce materials into production cycles and reduce the demand for virgin materials.
We would be happy to advise you on setting up a circular economy system. Please get in touch!
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M·BIOBASE® PP compounds made from renewable raw materials
Another alternative to conventional plastics is offered by our biomass-balanced M·BIOBASE® PP compounds, because the biomass-balanced polypropylene (PP) is made from waste, e.g., residues from vegetable oil refining or used cooking oil (UCO = Used Cooking Oil) – instead of fossil raw materials. ISCC PLUS certification guarantees the traceability of the material flow along the entire value chain.
Our M·BIOBASE® compounds won 2nd place in the "Product of the Year 2025" in the Materials category.
The use of renewable raw materials can result in an improved product carbon footprint, depending on the product being compared and the calculation method used.
Contact us for customised recyclate solutions.
If you’re looking to use recycled materials, we’re the right partner for you. We offer bespoke advice and plastic solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
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