Published in

Automotive

Rate this post

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars

Tagged as

autobodies, autoparts, number1plasticPETE, number2plasticHDPE, recycle

Join the discussion

Be the first to comment

Share this article

Published on August 8th, 2008

Recycled Plastics Showing Up More In Autos

by Ashley Schiller

Automobile makers have long been recycling metals, but now the use of recycled plastic is on the rise as a means of saving money, reports the Detroit Free Press.

Recycled plastic is being used for bumpers, splash guards and under the hood. Because recycled plastic is often more brittle or less durable, it is usually mixed with new plastic. For example, many bumpers contain as much as 20 percent recycled plastic.

Using recycled plastic can save manufacturers as much as half the price of new plastic.

Plastic recycling companies, like the Missouri-based ACI Plastics, are benefiting from the increased attention. ACI takes scrap from the manufacturing process, such as damaged bumpers and parts from discarded vehicles. The plastic is shredded and recycled in to pellets which can be used to make new products. Company president, Scott Melton, told the Free Press he expects the company’s $17 million in sales to grow 20 percent next year.

Use Earth911 to find a location to recycle your plastic.

Ashley Schiller

Ashley Schiller

Ashley Schiller is a freelance writer. She is currently finishing her bachelors in political science and journalism.

More articles by Ashley


Join the discussion



Recently Added to Automotive

  • Colorado Loses Funding for Tire Recycling

    In an effort to balance the state’s budget, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has cut the $4 million funding that would have been used to clean up the largest tire stockpile in the nation, according to The Denver Post.

    The program is …

  • Recycling Mysteries: Tires

    Let’s be honest: Tires make the world go round. Unless you’re a professional speed walker, your method of transportation probably involves tires of some sort.

    But these tires don’t last forever. Whether it’s an irreparable flat or loss of tread, eventually …

  • Drive Green, Avoid Sticker Shock

    Often, eco-friendly products cost more upon their initial purchase because of increased production costs or a lower volume of products sold. It’s simple economics, and sometimes “green” is just more expensive.

    However, that’s not the case with recycled antifreeze, as evidenced …

Advertise with us

Advertise with us