Recycled polyethylene is not sold by producer grade names. Its quality depends on where the material came from and how it was processed, so the specification you agree with the supplier is what defines the product.
PCR and PIR
- Post-industrial (PIR): production scrap that never reached a consumer, such as film trim, start-up lumps and rejected parts. Usually cleaner and more uniform.
- Post-consumer (PCR): products used and thrown away, such as bottles and packaging film. More variable, and may carry odour, ink and contamination, but it is what most recycled-content rules count.
Forms
Recycled PE comes as pellets (melt-filtered and most consistent), agglomerate (densified film), regrind (ground rigid parts) or washed flake. Pellets cost more but run most like virgin resin.
Parameters to agree
- Base polymer: HDPE, LDPE or LLDPE, or a stated mix
- Melt flow index and density
- Colour: natural, light, mixed or black
- Moisture, ash and contamination limits, and filtration mesh for pellets
- Odour, if it matters for your product
Avoiding surprises
Ask for a sample or a trial lot before a full order, and for photos of the actual material. Keep the agreed parameters in writing in the offer, so both sides check the same thing at delivery.
What to send for a quote
- Your product and how much recycled content you use
- PCR or PIR, form and base polymer
- MFI, density, colour and contamination limits
- Quantity, packing, destination port and Incoterm