| An interview with Ms. Ramsheh, International Business Manager of Exir Polymer
At Exir Polymer, a manufacturer committed to sustainability and the production of high-quality recycled granules, we often receive inquiries from customers regarding the type of plastic waste we use in our recycling process.
Today, we sat down with Ms. Ramsheh, the International Business Manager of Exir Polymer, to answer some common questions about pre-consumer and post-consumer waste and their role in our operations.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between pre-consumer and post-consumer waste?
Interviewer: Ms. Ramsheh, thank you for your time. Could you help us explain the difference between pre-consumer and post-consumer waste for our readers?
Ms. Ramsheh: Absolutely. The difference between pre-consumer and post-consumer waste lies in when the waste is generated in the product lifecycle.
Pre-consumer waste is produced during the manufacturing process but before the product reaches the consumer. This can include materials like scraps, defective products, or unused excess from production.
For example, at Exir Polymer, we sometimes source pre-consumer waste from companies such as Kalleh Dairy and Entekhab Petrochemical, where products might be unused due to a change in production plans.
Post-consumer waste, on the other hand, refers to materials that have already been used by consumers and then discarded.
These include products like plastic bottles or packaging that have reached the end of their useful life and are collected through recycling programs or waste collection systems.
What is pre-consumer recycled content?
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on pre-consumer recycled content and its value in the recycling process?
Ms. Ramsheh: Pre-consumer recycled content comes from the recycling of materials that have never reached the consumer. These materials are often of higher quality because they haven’t been exposed to the wear and tear of consumer use.
Pre-consumer waste typically has better properties, like higher durability and cleaner material composition, which is why it’s more valuable in the recycling industry. It also tends to have a lower volume, making it rarer compared to post-consumer waste.
What is post-consumer recycled content?
Interviewer: What about post-consumer recycled content? How is it different?
Ms. Ramsheh: Post-consumer recycled content is sourced from items that have been used and disposed of by consumers. While this type of waste is more abundant, it often requires more extensive processing, as the material needs to be cleaned and sorted.
Post-consumer waste can include everything from plastic bottles to packaging materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Pre-consumer Waste or Post-consumer Waste: Which is Better?
Interviewer: A question we often get is, “Which type of waste is better for the environment?” What are your thoughts on that?
Ms. Ramsheh: Both types of waste have their place in the recycling process, and it’s hard to say one is inherently better than the other. Pre-consumer waste is often cleaner and of higher quality, making it more efficient to recycle.
However, recycling post-consumer waste helps reduce landfill waste and promotes a circular economy by keeping materials in use for longer. At Exir Polymer, we use both types of waste to balance quality and sustainability.
What type of waste does Exir Polymer use in the recycling process?
Interviewer: Could you tell us about the types of waste Exir Polymer uses in its recycling operations?
Ms. Ramsheh: Certainly! At Exir Polymer, we use a mix of both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste in our recycling process.
We source pre-consumer waste from industrial processes, sometimes even buying large, unused batches from companies when their production plans change. This material is highly sought after due to its excellent properties.
For post-consumer waste, we work with collectors who gather materials like plastic bottles and packaging from urban environments. Both types of waste are essential in producing our recycled granules, and they help us maintain a balance between high quality and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
At Exir Polymer, we are committed to sustainable practices by using both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste in our recycling process. While pre-consumer waste is prized for its quality and durability, post-consumer waste plays a vital role in reducing landfill waste and promoting a circular economy.
By incorporating both types of recycled content, we produce high-quality recycled granules that our customers use to manufacture a variety of plastic products.