Several things still remain a mystery when it comes to the various types of plastics. For instance, is corrugated plastic recyclable?
It is well-known for its affordability and durability, a rare yet impressive combination. Besides, it is quite versatile hence ideal in many situations.
Given its popularity, that’s growing rapidly; it is important to know whether it is sustainable. Before adopting it, it is crucial to know everything about it.
Above all, it is also high time to look at how green it is.
What is Corrugated Plastic?
The simplest way of defining corrugated plastic is to mention its resemblance to corrugated fiberboard. It has various forms, but the extruded thin walls cut across all the products.
The material of these plastic sheets is usually polypropylene resin. One must admit that it is quite an excellent choice in this case.
That’s because it is lightweight hence not an additional weight to the entire package. It is also tough enough to withstand various conditions that may arise during transportation.
The material also has high resistance to heat and a moisture barrier. The same case applies to its chemical resistance.
Its global market often exceeds 55 million tonnes. In most cases, it comes only second to polyethylene as far as the production of plastic products is concerned.
Despite being tough, cutting even with a utility knife is easy. Expect it in various thicknesses and colors suitable for all the needs and preferences of different people.
Corrugated plastic has another name which is corriboard. Its tradenames include Corflute, Corriflute, Twinplast, Correx Proplex, IntePro, FlutePlast, Coroplast, Polyflute, and Cartonplast.
Various Uses of Corrugated Plastic
Corrugated plastic has a long list of uses. Some of them include the following;
- Parking signs
- “For sale” signs
- Real estate signs
- Home security notices
- Campaign Signage
- Yards’ signage
- Other temporary outdoor signages
- Packaging
- Containers’ construction
- Mail carriers
Is Corrugated Plastic Recyclable?
As mentioned earlier, corrugated plastic’s material is polypropylene. It makes other products, including microwave-safe containers or lids, baby bottles, plastic cups, margarine and yogurt tubs.
It falls under the #5 plastics. This category is recyclable, which means you can also recycle corrugated plastic.
That said, it is common for local curbsides to accept corrugated recyclables. If that happens, find a recycling facility because it won’t hesitate to accept them.
As you submit them, ensure that you remove grommets, metal stakes, and other accessories. The recycling process depends on your residence.
Ideally, the recyclers melt the corrugated plastic and reform them into various things. They include;
- Trays
- Ice scrapers
- Brooms
- Bins
Is Corrugated Plastic Green?
We have already confirmed that corrugated plastic is recyclable. As much as it is a great thing, it is good to note that it has other characteristics that make it even greener than most of its counterparts.
For instance, it reduces waste since a single project doesn’t need much to succeed. You will use less material since it is rigid and strong enough to serve its purpose under those circumstances.
Additionally, corrugated plastic is also reusable. That’s thanks to its durability, which ensures that the product stays useable for a long period.
Therefore, corrugated plastic meets all the 3 Rs used in waste management. One can say without any fear of contradiction that corrugated plastic is green and greener than most of its alternatives.
Due to these characteristics, it is an ideal sustainable, and suitable option for the environment. You can rely on it to reduce your carbon footprint and waste.
Advantages of Using Corrugated Plastic
Whereas there are various options out there, here are some reasons why corrugated plastic is advantageous compared to the rest besides being recyclable;
Affordability
Corrugated plastic is affordable in several aspects, thus making it a great option. For instance, its cost is user-friendly.
Similarly, complicated equipment isn’t necessary if you want to cut or print onto it. In short, you can purchase and design corrugated plastic without straining financially.
Pliability
Whereas corrugated plastic is robust, it is also flexible and versatile. It gives you various options, including punching holes, stapling, bending, and cutting whenever a need arises.
Durability
No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on something that will break within a short period. Fortunately, that won’t be your fate if you go for corrugated plastic.
Before it shows any aging, it will have withstood a lot, including hot sun, rough human handling and heavy rains. The same case applies to attacks by rodents and insects.
Lightweight
Distributing, displaying, or transporting corrugated plastic won’t be much of a bother because it is light. You won’t have to experience additional weight in packaging other products.
Its lightweightness also ensures that you don’t hurt yourself if it falls on you. The material is not strong enough to destroy anything, which avoids losses.
Disadvantages of Using Corrugated Plastic
While corrugated plastic is a great option, you need to know its downsides. They include the following;
- Whereas people use it for photo printing, there are other better options, such as Sintra. That’s because its aesthetic isn’t suitable for vector images.
- It isn’t ideal for a business sign when looking for something permanent. That’s because it ages quickly and looks cheap, that’s not ideal for first impressions that your business may want to make at a glance
- Whereas the product is recyclable and non-toxic, producing it is far from environmentally friendly.
- Corrugated plastic is also not biodegradable.
Conclusion
Is corrugated plastic recyclable? Yes, and in addition to that, the material is reusable and can reduce waste significantly. Therefore, you can go for it to reduce your carbon print.
The discussion above describes it well; hence easy for you to recognize it. Corrugated plastic also has a long list of other names.
If you are looking for a green option, it beats many alternatives. The material is also versatile and suitable for many uses.
Its users enjoy various benefits, including affordability, lightweight, durability and flexibility. However, it also has its downside, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
With all this information at your disposal, it will be easy to choose wisely. Decide on whether to opt for corrugated plastic or otherwise.
