Finally there are a number of plastic-specific DfR guidelines to consider when designing a product:
- Use common plastics only (e.g. ABS, PE, PP, PA, PC , PC/ABS and HIPS)
Unlike uncommon plastics, these materials are already being recycled in sufficient volumes. If an uncommon plastic is necessary, use one with a density outside the 0.85 – 1.25 g/cm density range of common plastics.
- Avoid polymer blends
Polymer blends (besides PC/ABS) can pollute recycled material streams.
- Avoid glass fibre filled polymers
Glass fibres pollute the recycled material stream and can decrease its mechanical properties.
- Minimise the use of additives
These reduce the purity of recycled plastic streams.
- Avoid the use of thermoset rubbers
These cannot be recycled.
- Avoid the use of thermosets and composites
Thermosets cannot be recycled. If a thermoset is required, use one with a density outside the 0.85 – 1.25 g/cm density range of common plastics.
- Avoid coatings and paints on plastic parts
They will pollute material streams and possibly change the density of the material.
- Avoid the use of foam
- Minimize the use of thermoplastic elastomers
These are not recycled.
- Do not use plating, galvanizing or vacuum metallization to coat plastic parts
This creates a connection between the plastic and metal.