Plastic Recycling Training at Rolbatch Laabs Academy – Key Takeaways for the Film Production Industry
At our Rolbatch Laabs Academy, we held a training session on "Plastic Recycling", attended by representatives of recycling companies and plastic processing enterprises, including those producing films and using recycled raw materials.
During the training, we covered key aspects related to the quality of secondary raw materials, their impact on the final product, and the challenges of identifying plastics. Importantly, this knowledge should be available not only to the technical department but also to operators and all employees who deal with these materials daily.
Identifying Plastics – A Key Skill in Recycling
One of the topics we discussed in detail was the identification of different types of plastics. This is crucial, especially for recycling companies, where raw materials often consist of multiple components. For example, electronic components may contain up to three different plastics, which must be identified and separated individually.
Of course, in the case of large batches of raw materials, sorters and separators can be used. However, when dealing with just a few tons of one type of material, it is beneficial to learn how to identify it independently.
How to Identify Plastic?
✔️ Flexibility and breaking characteristics – does the material bend or break? Does it leave sharp edges?
✔️ Sound when struck – for example, PP has a dull sound, while PS sounds more like glass.
✔️ Transparency – polyamide is not transparent, polypropylene is milky, and polystyrene resembles glass.
✔️ Smell when burned – for example, polyethylene smells like paraffin, while polyamide smells like burnt hair.
With this knowledge, employees can assess materials more quickly and accurately, facilitating both recycling and optimizing production processes.
The Impact of Recycled Raw Materials on Film Quality
Another crucial topic was the use of recycled raw materials in the production of stretch and packaging films. We discussed how contaminants and varying properties of regranulates affect the strength and mechanical parameters of films.
✔️ Stretchability and puncture resistance – films made from recycled materials may have different strength levels depending on the quality of the regranulate.
✔️ Impact of contaminants – unwanted particles can lead to irregular film thickness, reduced flexibility, and weakened material structure.
✔️ Quality vs. cost – the higher the raw material quality, the more durable the film, translating into a higher market value of the product.
At our Rolbatch Laabs Academy, we teach how to analyze and control raw material quality to optimize the production of films and other plastic products.
Raw Material Quality Control – How to Avoid Losses?
During the training, we covered methods for testing ground materials and regranulates, which help determine whether a raw material is suitable for further production.
✔️ Melt Flow Index (MFI) – fluctuations can affect the extrusion process and require adjustments to machine settings.
✔️ Raw material density – differences may indicate the presence of additives or altered material structure.
✔️ Granulate moisture content – excess moisture degrades the quality of final products and can destabilize the production process.
Instead of testing raw materials by trial and error, it is better to conduct an analysis in a dedicated area of the production hall – this helps prevent technological issues and material losses.
Why Should Training Extend Beyond the Technical Department?
Knowledge about raw materials and their impact on production should not be limited to the technical department alone. Operators and employees from other departments should also understand the specifics of the materials they work with.
✔️ Better problem identification – operators can detect irregularities more quickly and prevent downtime.
✔️ Reduced production waste – greater awareness means better raw material management and reduced losses.
✔️ Higher final product quality – understanding the variable parameters of raw materials allows for optimized production processes.
Thanks to our training, companies can increase production efficiency and reduce material waste, directly impacting their profitability.
Online Training – Convenience and Flexibility for Companies
We are now focusing more on online training, as it is easier for companies and their employees to log in at any time and go through the material at their own pace.
Our courses are available 24/7, and depending on your needs, we offer subscriptions for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Additionally, we create customized training programs tailored to the specific requirements of companies – both in terms of subject matter and schedule.
Would you like to learn more? Subscribe to my blog and join my LinkedIn group – Plastics and Recycling Academy. I regularly share insights on recycling, raw material management, and quality control. You will also find announcements for upcoming training sessions, including a warehouse management course, which will be particularly useful for companies using recycled raw materials.