A process in which plastics, after being separated by polymer type and color, are melted down, resulting in a second raw material with similar characteristics to virgin polymer, which can be re-processed by conventional plastic article production processes. Plastic recycling is predominantly an “open” recycling, because the original article is not always reproduced, but often a different one is made, depending on the type of polymer recycled, its physical-mechanical characteristics and compliance with specific regulations.

Source:

Scarfato, P., Incarnato, L., Apicella, A. “Plastics: eco-sustainability and innovation.” In Lerma, B., Dal Palù, D. (Edited by) “Flow wrap packaging: The most with the least. High protection, low impact” (2022), ReteAmbiente Srl, Milan, Italy. (ENG) ISBN 978-88-6627-358-5, pp. 95.