The use of recyclable plastic materials is an important contribution on the way to sustainability.
The current situation has many red flags, warning that a change in attitude is necessary. We must review our attitudes to consumption, sanitation and, of course, industrial production. With this last area, and whatever the product may be, pursuing a policy of zero waste means choosing the right materials.
As you will see, the composition and origin of the raw materials are basic factors necessary to complete the recycling process. This is why today, recyclable plastic materials are increasingly an option to consider.
On the other hand, it is also interesting to address other issues. One of them is the possibility of implementing the concept of the circular economy into industrial processes.
How do we manufacture?
There is no doubt that plastic is one of the main factors in pollution. That’s why choosing recyclable materials can be a powerful force for change.
In the business environment it is important to set objectives that are appropriate to the type of business, as well as its structure and procedures. On this basis, we are advocating for a greener philosophy in our company with three main points:
- The production process (the machinery).
- The materials we use (recyclable plastic materials).
- Recycling (keeping control over production waste). In this regard, using virgin materials makes it easier to reuse any remaining material.
The FORTAPS method
We work from our own designs, creating moulds for our items. And this, as you’ll see, is a great advantage when it comes to reducing environmental impact. This is the chronology of our production process:
- We make the design (from our extensive catalogue or for items on request).
- We create the exact moulds for the items The following table shows the number of the different types of steel used in the production of these parts (in non-calibrated steel).
Thus, participating in the entire development from the first moment gives us the freedom to make sustainability part of our plan.
We always meticulously choose the machinery: up-to-date, and equipped for the highest energy efficiency. In addition, our care extends to the materials: always non-toxic.
We are faithful to an environmentally friendly work philosophy. And, in fact, this is why we ruled out the use of PVC. Despite being very versatile and easy to use, chlorine forms part of this material, and is highly polluting (both in its production and usage). And it shouldn’t be forgotten that it’s particularly difficult to recycle. On the one hand, this is because the ingredients it contains contaminate the recycling process itself. And, on the other hand, because in itself, it’s more expensive.
Polyethylene is a much more eco friendly alternative, and therefore the choice we make at FORTAPS. And it is this that we transfer, in its two forms (high and low density) to the entire production process of any item, from inserts up to ferrules.
Recyclable plastic materials
We use two types of polyethylene:
- Low density (PELD): to inject into the items. Low density polyethylene is the most widely used plastic due to its properties (chemical and thermal resistance, as well as flexibility). It is also the most recycled.
- High density (HDPE): for the flanges and threads (which need more strength). It’s less flexible, but has the advantage of being highly robust.
In addition, anti-slip products are manufactured with thermoplastic rubber, a mixture between plastic and rubber, which has the advantages of both.
Manufacturong our parts with recyclable plastic materials makes it easier for us to do our own recycling. For this reason, we’re committed to the circular economy and the approach to the rules of the waste hierarchy. This means that, once an item is manufactured, that which doesn’t get used (or is surplus) is used for something else. And all this, within our own production chain.
The concept of waste management as an individual responsibility brings other benefits as well. On the one hand, a reduction in costs, as we are not using a third party service (collection, classification, recycling). On the other hand, the economic investment in new material is reduced, because it optimises usage of material.
At FORTAPS, we promise to ensure quality and the full satisfaction of our customers. And, in our roadmap to continuous improvement, sustainability is a primary objective. We have a complete catalogue and a lot of news.
Contact us and we’ll inform about everything you need.
