Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is similar in many respects to high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

However, instead of forming a long polymer chain made up of repeating CH2
components, making PP stiffer and more resistant to creep (the tendency to flow under
stress) as compared to polyethylene (PE).
PROPERTIES
Polypropylene (PP) is highly resistant to most acids and alkalis. It is resistant to most
organic solvents below 176F (80C). Its use at high temperatures depends on
conditions in addition to heat, but as a rule, PP may be used at temperatures ranging
from 200 to 300 F (93C to 149C) if not stressed. Thus, PP products can be sterilized
in an autoclave.
Quick Facts on Recycling Polypropylene:

Did you know that polypropylene is fully recyclable? Or that it's easier to recycle than
almost any other plastic? It even flows more easily as it degrades, without cross linking,
gel forming or off-gassing.*
Starbucks and McDonald's have switched their cold cups from polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) to polypropylene for the benefits of less plastic and lower
greenhouse gas emissions.
Polypropylene is being recycled in many applications, including battery cases,

paint cans, home storage, flower pots, pallets, crates, composite lumber, and
more.
Advantages of clear polypropylene include:
Low density
Good stiffness/impact balance
Chemical and thermal resistance
Reduces environmental impact
Good moisture vapor barrier
Hot fill and retort capable
Microwavable
The low density of polypropylene reduces environmental impact.
Carbon footprint
In terms of energy efficiency,

polypropylene is comparable in gross
energy to produce to many other plastics
used for packaging.
Polypropylene produces less solid waste
by weight than PET, PS or PVC.
Polypropylene and high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) produce significantly
less CO2 equivalents by weight than PET,
PS, and PVC.
Polypropylene is recyclable
Recycled polypropylene is being used in many diverse applications
Battery cases, paint cans, home storage, flower pots, pallets, crates,
composite lumber, automotive
In the world, polypropylene recycling rates are increasing dramatically
Recycling of Polypropylene
To make recycling of polypropylene economically viable, several factors must be
taken into account. Most importantly, the difficultly and expense of the recycling
process needs to be reduced. This process includes sorting, collecting, cleaning and
reprocessing.
To begin with, the polypropylene must be separated from any other plastic polymers
to make recycling possible. This is achieved by sink-float separation, which works
on the principal that PP has a unique specific density and therefore will float when
other polymers will not. In practice, PP is often mixed with PET to produce plastic
products such as drinks bottles. As PP has a specific density of .93-.95g/cm3 and PET
has a specific density of 1.43-1.45 g/cm3, the PP will float on water and the PET will
sink, allowing separation of the polymers. Polymers can also be separated using their
melt flow index, which relates to the elasticity of the material.
If at all possible, the PP should also be sorted by colour prior to processing. This
increases its value.
Once it has been ensured that the PP is homogenous, the plastic is shredded or
granulated into flakes, which can be resold as recycled goods. The recycled PP may
also be processed further, and compounded to produce denser plastic pellets using
an extruder.
Polypropylene is eventually affected by thermal degradation, which compromises the
structural intensity of the plastic due to the bonds between hydrogen and carbon
becoming weaker. Though the point at which this occurs will vary depending on the
use of the polypropylene, it is generally considered that PP can be recycled in a
closed loop four times before the thermal degradation has a negative impact on the
polymer.
Most of the recycled PP is then mixed with virgin plastic (i.e. plastic that has not
been produced via recycling) in a ratio of around 1:3 to produce new plastic
products.
Plastics will often have a resin code printed on the bottom of a product which is
using that particular plastic. These resin codes are used for the recycling of plastic,
so that the different polymer types can be recycled separately and efficiently without
contamination of the recyclable mix.
The Environmental Benefits of Recycling PP

Recycling of polypropylene is emerging as an important, and economically viable,
option on a large scale.
A main benefit of recycling PP is the reduction in the consumption of raw, finite
resources, such as oil and propene gas. It is estimated that around 8% of the oil used
worldwide around 400 million tons) is implemented in the traditional methods of
plastic production with 4% as feedstock and another 4% in manufacturing.
Also, relative to production from oil and gas, there is up an 88% reduction in energy
usage if plastic is produced from plastic.
Given its inherent flexibility, PP can be recycled back into many different products,
including:
Clothing fibers, Industrial fibers, Food containers, Dishware, Compost bins,

Speed humps. Gardening apparatus (compost bins, garden edging and plant
pots)
A reasonable proportion of polypropylene is recycled from major industries, but a
significant proportion is still duped into landfills. It is currently not as economically
viable to recycle PP as it is to recycle other polymers, in particular HDPE, LDPE and
PET. It is hoped this will be changed in the near future with advancements in
recycling technology.

Polypropylene

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Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is similar in many respects to high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Quick Facts on Recycling Polypropylene:

Polypropylene is being recycled in many applications, including battery cases,

Advantages of clear polypropylene include:

The low density of polypropylene reduces environmental impact.

In terms of energy efficiency,

Recycled polypropylene is being used in many diverse applications

The Environmental Benefits of Recycling PP

Clothing fibers, Industrial fibers, Food containers, Dishware, Compost bins,

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