Use of recyclates: Sustainability meets efficiency
Find out all about the topic of recyclates. Whether you are looking for a plastic for your specific application or requirements or just want to find out more – you have come to the right place.
Sustainable plastic solutions
Recyclates as environmentally friendly solutions for the future
In our world, where sustainability is more important than ever, recyclates are a crucial building block for a more sustainable future. By recycling plastic components at the end of their life cycle or using rejects or missing parts, we protect valuable resources, reduce CO₂ emissions and create innovative products for a wide range of applications. Discover how modern recyclate solutions help to reduce the burden on the environment and redefine sustainable business.
M·CYCLOSE® recyclates and PCR-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:
M·CYCLOSE® PE recyclates
The recycled polyethylene in our M·CYCLOSE® product range is based on beverage cartons from waste streams. M·CYCLOSE® PE recyclates can be used for a wide range of applications and processing techniques.
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M·CYCLOSE® PP recyclates
Our polypropylene-based M·CYCLOSE® product range contains recycled household waste. This M·CYCLOSE® range is also very versatile.
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Masterbatches for recyclates
Suitable colour, black and additive masterbatches based on PCR recyclate – ideal for use in our sustainable M·CYCLOSE® recyclates.
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Recyclate sources of our M·CYCLOSE® plastics
Find out where the recycled plastics for our M·CYCLOSE® materials come from:
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.
rPE from beverage cartons
Beverage cartons are difficult to recycle due to their complex composite materials. Saperatec GmbH has developed and patented a water-based separation technology that allows the components to be separated efficiently and high-quality raw materials to be recovered.
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What are recyclates – definition and meaning
Recyclates are plastics and other materials that are obtained from previously used products or waste and returned to the product cycle after processing. The use of recyclates is a central component of the circular economy, as it helps to conserve natural resources and reduce waste. Recyclates offer a sustainable alternative to the use of new materials by enabling the reuse of existing materials and thus making a significant contribution to reducing waste and environmental pollution.
Conclusion: Recyclates help to conserve resources, reduce waste and reduce the burden on the environment by replacing raw materials that would otherwise have to be extracted from scratch.
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 a world that is increasingly focussing on sustainability, the use of recyclates is becoming more and more important for all market participants. Recyclates can help to reduce both ecological and economic burdens.
Advantages of recyclates for companies
The use of recyclates offers companies numerous advantages:
Conservation of resources: The use of recyclates reduces the consumption of new raw materials, which not only protects the environment but also helps to preserve it for future generations.
Reduction of waste: If waste is used as the basis for recyclates, this additionally reduces waste volumes.
Reduction of the CO₂ footprint: By reusing materials, the CO₂ footprint is reduced. The product carbon footprint will be the "currency" of saleable products in the future. Good recyclates will therefore play an increasingly important role.
Statutory recycling quotas: The use of recyclates helps to fulfil statutory recycling quotas.
Cost savings: Under certain conditions, recyclates can be cheaper than new raw materials, which can lead to a reduction in production costs.
Marketing tool for improve corporate image: Companies that use recycled materials position themselves as sustainable and responsible. This is particularly important nowadays, as more and more customers are demanding sustainability in general and the use of sustainable materials.
Contribute to a circular economy!
By using our recyclates, companies make an important contribution to the circular economy and show responsibility for future generations. Help to close the material loop!
Recyclates in our everyday lives
Application examples: From packaging to technical components
Recyclates are used in many industries, where they not only reduce the burden on the environment, but also help to utilise resources more efficiently. Here are some 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 minimise the amount of 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. This results in more environmentally friendly products that fulfil consumer demand for more sustainable alternatives.
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.
Here you will find our recyclate-based M·CYCLOSE® plastics:
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Processing of recyclates
Our M·CYCLOSE® recyclates can be used for a wide range of applications. They are suitable for various processing technologies, such as injection moulding, blown film extrusion or extrusion, and can be processed on standard plastics machines. They can also be easily 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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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 for a good future
Sustainability and environmental benefits
The use of recyclates helps to conserve limited resources and keep our planet liveable for future generations.
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Reduction of the CO₂ footprint through recyclates
The use of recyclates helps to reduce the carbon footprint. The energy required to recycle materials is significantly lower than the energy required to produce new fossil-based plastics. This means that fewer fossil raw materials are required, which leads to a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Companies that use recycled materials help to reduce global CO₂ emissions. The pPCF (partial Product Carbon Footprint) of our products is available on request.
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Contributing to the circular economy in production
Recyclates are an essential part of the circular economy. They make it possible to return materials to the production cycle again and again, thereby avoiding waste and extending the service life of resources/materials. This promotes sustainable production and reduces the need for new raw materials, which in turn reduces the burden on the environment.
We would be happy to advise you on setting up a closed-loop system. Talk to us!
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PP compounds made from renewable raw materials
Another more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics is offered by our M·BIOBASE® PP compounds, because the biomass-balanced polypropylene (PP) is made from waste, e.g. from residues from vegetable oil refining or used cooking oil (UCO = Used Cooking Oil) – instead of from fossil raw materials. ISCC PLUS certification guarantees the traceability of the sustainable material flow along the entire value chain. Our wood-filled M·BIOBASE® compounds use wood fibres from waste streams from the wood industry – and our M·BIOBASE® compounds won 2nd place in the "Product of the Year 2025" in the Materials category.
Thanks to the use of renewable raw materials, M·BIOBASE® compounds have an improved CO2-Footprint (product carbon footprint) compared to conventional petroleum-based plastics.
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Our sustainability lexicon
Regenerate: Obtained through melting processes and contains additives to optimise specific properties. It has a uniform particle size and no dust content.
Regranulate: Also produced by melting, but has no additional modifications. This process produces a homogeneous material that can be reused without further processing.
Regrind: Produced by mechanically shredding plastic waste into small particles (2-5 mm). As regrind often contains dust, this must be taken into account during further processing.
Further interesting information and definitions relating to sustainable plastics can be found here:
Contact us for customised recyclate solutions.
If you want to use recycled materials, we are the right partner for you. We offer customised advice and plastic solutions that are perfectly tailored to your specific requirements.
