The Hidden Challenge in Plastic Recycling: Fillers, Rods, Solids, and Additives

Recycling plastic isn’t just about melting it down and making something new. The reality is far more complicated—especially when fillers, solids, rods, fiberglass, and additives get involved. This picture is a real example of materials we've pulled from our plastics recycling solids collection system!

‍

Most plastics aren’t pure resin. They contain calcium carbonate, fiberglass, talc, flame retardants, pigments, and other additives that improve performance but make recycling a nightmare. When traditional methods try to process these materials, they can:

• Clog equipment and create process inefficiencies
• Contaminate recycled plastic, reducing quality
• Limit how much recycled content can be reused in new products

‍

This is why many recycling technologies struggle with mixed and contaminated plastics. But at Anellotech, we take a different approach. The "secret sauce" of our Plas-TCat® technology is how we effectively manage solids removal during and in between all of our unit operations. This is how we effectively remove the fillers, additives, and inorganics. That means no sorting, no costly pre-treatment, and no waste.

‍

We’re working to solve the problems that have held plastic recycling back for decades. If you’re dealing with complex plastic waste streams with fillers, let’s talk.