Why Recycled Plastic Granules Are the Future of Indian Manufacturing

November 20, 2024 | By Ashok Traders
Recycled Plastic Granules – Future of Indian Manufacturing

Introduction

India's manufacturing ecosystem is undergoing a massive transformation. From MSMEs to large-scale factories, businesses are shifting towards sustainable and cost-effective materials — and recycled plastic granules have become the leading choice.

Why? Because recycled PP and HDPE granules now offer performance levels comparable to virgin materials, at a much lower cost, while supporting India's sustainability goals.

As a trusted supplier in Maharashtra, Ashok Traders Jalgaon delivers high-quality recycled plastic granules to industries across India. This detailed guide explains why recycled granules are the future of Indian manufacturing.

What Are Recycled Plastic Granules?

Recycled plastic granules are manufactured by processing post-industrial or post-consumer plastic waste. The recycling process follows several steps:

  • 1. Collection: Plastic waste is collected from industries, households, factories, and recycling centers.
  • 2. Segregation: Materials are separated based on polymer type: PP, HDPE, LDPE, PET, Mixed plastic
  • 3. Shredding: Plastic waste is shredded into flakes.
  • 4. Washing & Drying: Flakes are washed to remove labels, dust, oil, chemicals, food residue
  • 5. Extrusion: Flakes are melted and filtered using a screen changer for impurity removal.
  • 6. Granulation: The molten plastic is cooled and cut into new granules.

Types of Recycled Plastic Granules

Recycled PP Granules

Used in: Household products, Automotive interior parts, Caps & closures, Packaging items

Recycled HDPE Granules

Used in: Pipes, Bottles, Drums, Crates, Blow moulding applications

Recycled LDPE Granules

Used in: Film, Packaging sheets, Flexible items

GRS Certified Recycled Granules

For export-based manufacturers needing global compliance. Learn more about GRS certified granules for export.

Why Recycled Plastic Granules Are Becoming the Future of Indian Manufacturing

Here are the 12 biggest reasons:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Recycled granules cost 20–45% less than virgin materials, significantly lowering production cost — a major advantage for MSMEs.

2. High Demand in Domestic & Export Markets

Indian and global buyers prefer sustainable products due to EU recycling mandates, Corporate ESG policies, and Green manufacturing certifications. Using recycled materials gives companies a competitive edge.

3. Improved Quality of Recycled Granules

Thanks to modern recycling machines: Better impurity removal, Higher filtration systems, Stable colours, Improved mechanical strength. Quality is now close to virgin in many applications.

4. Government Regulations are Shifting

The Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWMR) 2016 & 2024 Update encourage higher recycled content usage, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and reduced single-use plastic. Manufacturers must adapt to stay compliant.

5. Supports Sustainability Goals

Using recycled plastic reduces: Landfill waste, CO₂ emissions, Energy consumption

Every 1 tonne of recycled plastic saves:
♻ 1.8 tonnes of CO₂ emission
♻ 6,000 kWh of energy

6. Helps Companies Win Export Contracts

Countries like USA, UK, Germany, UAE, Australia prefer products made using recycled or GRS-certified material. Exporters gain significant advantages.

7. Lower Dependency on Virgin Polymer Prices

Virgin polymer prices fluctuate heavily due to Crude Oil, Global demand, and Import duties. Recycled granules offer more stable pricing.

8. Eco-Conscious Consumers Prefer Sustainable Products

Modern consumers pay more for eco-friendly items like buckets, household goods, packaging, and automotive components. Using recycled material improves brand reputation.

9. Helps Companies Fulfill EPR Obligations

Government mandates require manufacturers and brand owners to recycle a certain percentage of plastic. Using recycled granules makes compliance simple.

10. Durable & Versatile

Recycled PP and HDPE are strong enough for injection moulding, blow moulding, sheet extrusion, and film applications. More and more industries are switching.

11. Business Growth Opportunity

Many industries prefer suppliers offering sustainable materials. Manufacturers using recycled granules get better demand, bigger client base, and more repeat orders.

12. Circular Economy Is the Future

India is moving toward a circular economy, where materials are recycled and reused continuously. Recycled granules are essential for this transition.

Applications of Recycled Plastic Granules (Industry-Wise)

  • Packaging Industry: Films, Sheets, Containers, Flexible packaging
  • Household Products: Buckets, mugs, baskets, stools, dustbins
  • Automotive Sector: Interior parts, trims, non-critical moulding components
  • Electrical Products: Switchboard casings, wiring channels, low-load ABS substitutes
  • Agriculture: Pipes, sprayer parts, crates
  • Construction: Non-pressure pipes, fittings, sheets
  • Furniture: Plastic chair components, table parts
  • Textile & Filament Industry: Non-woven fabric, fibre applications

Virgin vs Recycled Plastic Granules – Detailed Comparison

FeatureVirgin GranulesRecycled Granules
CostHighLow
StrengthHighMedium–High
AppearanceExcellentGood
SustainabilityLowVery High
Export acceptanceOnly virginVirgin + GRS certified recycled
Best UseHigh-end productsGeneral use

Quality Checks When Buying Recycled Granules

Here are the top 8 tests manufacturers should check:

  • MFI (Melt Flow Index): Must match your moulding process.
  • Purity Test: No dust, metal, or mixed polymer.
  • Colour Consistency: Avoids shade variation.
  • Ash Content: Higher ash = lower quality.
  • Odour Test: High-quality recycled granules should be mild-smelling.
  • Moisture Level: Low moisture ensures better moulding.
  • Strength Test: Tensile and impact strength should be within acceptable range.
  • Filtration Quality: Good recyclers use 60–120 mesh.

Common Problems with Low-Quality Recycled Granules

Cheap or unprocessed granules may cause: Machine blockage, Burn marks, Weak product strength, Dimensional inaccuracy, Rough finishing, High rejection rates. This is why selecting a trusted supplier is essential.

Why Ashok Traders Jalgaon Is a Reliable Supplier of Recycled Granules

  • High-quality recycled PP & HDPE granules: Filtered, cleaned, stable material.
  • Colour-stable materials: Great for household and packaging products.
  • GRS certified recycled granules: Perfect for exporters.
  • Competitive pricing: Helps manufacturers reduce cost.
  • Bulk supply & consistent stock: Supporting MSMEs & large factories.
  • Strong technical knowledge: Correct material recommendations for your product.

Use Cases from Real Manufacturers

Case 1: Household Goods Factory

Switched from virgin PP to recycled PP. Savings: 35% in raw material cost. Result: No change in product finish.

Case 2: Blow Moulding Unit

Used recycled HDPE for smaller bottles. Result: Reduced polymer cost with zero leakage issues.

Case 3: Automotive Interior Manufacturer

Used GRS certified recycled PP. Benefit: Approved by export clients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can recycled plastic granules replace virgin material?
Yes, for most applications — except critical loads or high-clarity products.

Q2: Is the strength significantly lower?
No. Modern recycled granules offer 80–90% strength of virgin material.

Q3: Are recycled granules safe for food packaging?
Generally no, unless they meet specific food-grade standards.

Q4: Are recycled granules good for injection moulding?
Absolutely — PP & HDPE recycled grades work well for many injection products.

Conclusion

Recycled plastic granules are revolutionising Indian manufacturing. With rising sustainability standards, cost benefits, export opportunities, and government support, manufacturers cannot afford to ignore recycled materials.

As one of the trusted suppliers in Maharashtra, Ashok Traders Jalgaon offers clean, high-quality, consistent recycled PP and HDPE granules — and GRS certified materials for global compliance.

Looking to reduce manufacturing costs and use sustainable materials?

Contact Ashok Traders Jalgaon for recycled PP & HDPE granules in bulk.