Closing the Loop: Cradle-to-Cradle Recycling of Rotomolded Chemical Storage Tanks
Rotational molding is a highly versatile manufacturing process for producing large, hollow plastic components. The use of optimized additive systems can accelerate bubble removal and promote densification at lower temperatures, thereby reducing cycle times, energy consumption, and variability in curing. Although roto-molded parts are in theory recyclable, tanks used for agrochemical storage pose unique end-of-life challenges due to chemical contamination, uncertain degradation effects from chemical exposure, heat, and prolonged solar irradiation—all of which impact recyclability. This presentation examines the recyclability of rotationally molded polyethylene tanks previously used for chemical storage. The study evaluates material properties prior to recycling and the development of an optimized stabilization package for recycling chemical tanks in a rotational molding process. The initiative aims to design and validate additive stabilization systems that enable high post-consumer recycled (PCR) content without compromising mechanical integrity or processability. Results demonstrate that robust stabilization—particularly when PCR is pre-compounded with targeted additive blends—can significantly restore mechanical properties, allowing PCR/virgin blends to approach or match the performance of virgin resin.
presented by Thomas Chirayil at Galleon 2
