We operate a free collection service for businesses in Brighton & Hove
who are looking to recycle their waste LDPE locally.
We are not currently looking to take on more LDPE collections, however we encourage businesses in Brighton & Hove
to contact us if this service may be of interest, as we have a waiting list
CLEANING & MELTING
After collecting the LDPE, we 'clean' it by removing any contaminants such as paper labels, tape and glue strips.
It is organised by colour and sorted into bundles, before these are put in ovens to melt.
Once melted, the plastic has a dough-like consistency, although this dough is around 160 degrees Celsius!
COLOUR & MARBLING
This hot, dough-like consistency allows for coloured plastic to be added and mixed into the material - it melts on contact.
The coloured plastic (usually carrier bags) has plenty of pigment, so we only work with what we collect, rather than adding any extra pigment.
More kneading creates even colours, just like mixing paint.
It is at this point the marbling effect is developed.
MOULDING
When the plastic ‘dough’ has been marbled, it is quickly compression moulded using a hydraulic press.
It is then left to cool to retain its new shape.
CUTTING
The pressed sheets can be cut and worked using common workshop machinery and tools.
As LDPE can be endlessly remelted, none of the off-cuts created during this process go to waste.
SANDING & PLANING
Rough edges left from the cutting stage can be finished to an extremely high quality by machine sanding and planing.
Even the dust and ringlet shavings created during these processes can be remelted.
There is no waste or by-product; nothing is left behind.