Plastic protection products are widely used across many industries, including hydraulics, plant machinery, hose and fittings.
You will usually find an end cap, end plug or bung on any component that requires protection from damage, contamination or dirt ingress during transport and storage.
Practically any threaded stud, hydraulic fitting, thread or hole in manifold blocks or any plain holes in steelwork will have some sort of plastic cap end or end plug.
It’s reasonable to assume that all this plastic isn’t good for the environment, and that’s where DLM comes in. The Italian manufacturer has come up with a ground-breaking range of components made entirely from ‘second-life’ plastic.
In this blog, we take a closer look at second-life plastic and its use in the plastic components industry.
What is second-life plastic?
Second-life plastic components are made entirely from recycled plastic that started life as something else, typically a consumer item or an industrial part. The term ‘second life’ comes from a European certification scheme for recycled plastics.
Companies and brands that meet the requirements of the scheme can use the ‘second-life plastic’ logo on their products.
DLM’s range of eco-products meets these high standards and has been certified as containing 100% recycled plastic materials.
Can plastic components be recycled?
Most plastic components can be recycled, as the majority are made from grade-one virgin material. That’s because they are formed using injection moulding tools, and there is an exact science behind making sure the plastic parts produced are fit for purpose.
Can DLM’s Green-Line caps save on resources?
The use of recycled caps supports the circular economy, as it allows waste to be transformed into new products, thus establishing a cycle that reduces the environmental impact.
Recycled plastic caps also preserve natural resources such as oil, which is used to produce plastic, and they offer economic benefits by reducing waste. This saves on the associated costs of waste management and reduces how much plastic is sent to landfill.
Can recycled parts also be recycled?
End caps and end plugs made from our second-life plastic material can also be recycled and, with good waste management, be used again and again! For the most part, they can also be reused several times.
Why is recycled plastic better for the environment?
The recycling of plastic caps represents a fundamental step towards a more sustainable future by reducing our impact on the environment. It is possible to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced, preserve natural resources, and support the circular economy.
Second-life plastic – the key takeaway
We sell threaded caps and plugs in the most common thread forms (BSP, metric and UNF) made entirely from second-life plastic. By bringing DLM’s green range to UK consumers, we’re helping to create a more sustainable future for our planet and environment.
A lot of time, thought, and effort has been put into ensuring that recycled plastics are still produced to a high standard. Their performance is on par with non-recycled parts, with the added benefit of being kinder to the environment.
If you would like any further information on our recycled products, we’re here to help. You can reach us by telephone on 0114 3490766 or by email at info@plascompo.com.
