Plastic Recycling UK

Comprehensive PP & HDPE Plastic Recycling & Reprocessing Services For A Sustainable Future

Our on-site facilities manage all aspects of recycling, from collecting and cleaning used products to grinding, washing and preparing materials for reuse.

PP & HDPE Recycling UK

Get High-Quality PP and HDPE Plastic Solutions

As your trusted partner in plastic solutions, we bring over 45 years of experience in understanding unique needs and delivering tailored solutions that exceed expectations while maintaining industry standards.

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Committed to sustainability, we ensure all products are 100% recyclable, helping to reduce environmental impact.

We convert used trays and containers into new materials through advanced recycling and reprocessing. Our process encompasses scrap collection, material recycling and product repair, transforming 100% of all scrap parts into fully operational products, thereby minimising the need for recycling.

Plastic Recycling Process

Industry Leading Name

 45+ Years Experience

Unmatched Reputation

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We started using Ravensbourn about three years ago. Since then, we've had a stress-free and seamless experience disposing and buying plastic. The staff at Ravensbourn are professional, knowledgable and efficient. No need to look elsewhere. 

Oliver Bennett

Managing Director

Plastics We Recycle 

We are committed to responsible recycling practices that help reduce waste and conserve resources, contributing to a greener future.

PP Recyling

PP Recyling

Commonly used in packaging, automotive parts and textiles.

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HDPE Recyling

HDPE Recyling

HDPE often used to manufacture  pallets, containers and bottles.

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LDPE Recycling

LDPE Recycling

Typically used in plastic bags, film wraps and flexible containers.

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Popular Products We Recycle

We recycle a wide range of plastic products.

Crates with Nylon Handles Recycling

PP Buckets Recycling

PP Pallets Recycling

HD Wheelie Bins Recycling

HD Buckets Recycling

HD Pallets Recycling

PP Covers Recycling

PP Totes Recycling

PP Bumpers Recycling

Do you have PP, HDPE or LDPE for resale or reuse?

If you have any PP, HDPE or LDPE materials available for resale or reuse, contact us to help us give these plastics a new purpose and support a more sustainable future.

Plastics We Don't Currently Recycle

Certain types of plastics are not recycled due to specific challenges related to their composition and the complexities of the recycling process.

We don't dispose of ABS

ABS

Impact-resistant thermoplastic.

We don't dispose PET

PET

Polyethylene Terephthalate.

We don't dispose PVC

PVC

Synthetic plastic polymer.

Industries

We Work With 

We partner with a diverse range of industries, including retail, automotive, pharmaceutical, and distribution networks, to deliver tailored solutions and drive innovation across various sectors.

Retail Industry

Our tailored plastic products help retailers enhance their processes while reducing environmental impact.

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Automotive Industry

We assist automotive manufacturers in reducing costs, enhancing sustainability, and meeting industry standards.

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Pharmaceutical Industry

Our tailored solutions help pharmaceutical companies meet regulatory requirements and exceed industry expectations.

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Distribution Networks

We offer high-quality PP & HDPE plastic solutions designed to enhance efficiency & durability throughout the supply chain.

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Plastic Recycling FAQs

Got a question about plastic recycling? Our experienced team are here to help

  • Can you handle plastics with mixed materials or additives?

    Yes, we can handle plastics with mixed materials or additives to some extent. Our advanced machinery allows for effective separation, ensuring that the PP is processed appropriately.

  • What certifications do you have to ensure environmental and quality standards?

    At Ravensbourn, we meet the quality criteria established by the environmental agency. Additionally, we are PERN and PRN registered, allowing us to export our high-quality, food-grade HDPE and PP plastics worldwide.

  • Can businesses arrange for regular plastic disposal services?

    Yes, businesses can arrange for regular plastic disposal services. Simply give us a call, and we can arrange collection from anywhere in the UK.


    Once collected, all materials are weighed and ticketed to ensure accurate tracking and identification of specific bag contents.


  • Do you operate with single-colour polymers?

    Yes, we take pride in producing single-colour polymers by processing individual colours separately to maintain their purity.


    This approach is particularly beneficial for customers with specific colour requirements.

The Plastic Recycling Process

Step 1: Shredding

Initial Traceability & Shredding

Once plastics are acquired, traceability starts with thorough documentation and photographs. The material is then fed into the shredder, breaking it down into 40mm pieces. Unlike many others, we take pride in producing single-colour polymers by processing individual colours together to maintain their purity. This approach is particularly advantageous for customers with specific colour requirements.

Step 2: Granulating & Toll Work

Metal Removal & Granulation

The shredded pieces are evenly distributed between two conveyor belts, each fitted with powerful magnets designed to remove any metal contaminants and ensure the plastic is free from impurities. The material then moves through two grinders, which further reduce the 40mm pieces to 8-12mm granules. This step is crucial for preparing the material for the next phase as the granules enter the wash tank.

Step 3: Sink Float

Saline Separation Process

Once dropped into the water, a saline solution is adjusted with salt to match the specific plastic being processed (PP, HDPE or LDPE), causing the target plastic to float to the top while other unwanted materials will sink to the bottom. The materials that settle at the bottom are extracted and placed into a bag beside the machine, ready to be sold on for their individual purpose.

Step 4: Drying

Friction Drying & Cleaning

In the tank, rotating paddles are used to direct the floating material toward the end of the system. From there, it is transferred through a pipe known as a friction dryer, where it undergoes vigorous drying. This process effectively removes old labels, ensuring the plastic emerges clean, free from dust and thoroughly dried leaving the plastic ready for the next stage of processing.

Step 5: Bagging

Bagging & Traceability

The plastic is transferred to the bagging plant in a dry, paper-free, and dust-free condition. Each bag is assigned a unique code for precise tracking, this code corresponds with our in-house systems, to trace the material’s origin, the specific lorry it was transported in, and the production details. This meticulous tracking ensures full transparency and compliance with environmental agency standards.

Step 6: Internal Storage

Storage & Shipment Preparation

All bags are meticulously data-logged and stored in a dry, spotless, dust-free environment to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and integrity. They are covered with protective plastic to safeguard them from any potential contamination. When ready for shipment, the bags are securely packed to prevent moisture and damage, ensuring they remain in optimal condition throughout their journey.

The Process

Step 1: Shredding

Initial Traceability & Shredding

Once plastics are acquired, traceability starts with thorough documentation and photographs. The material is then fed into the shredder, breaking it down into 40mm pieces. Unlike many others, we take pride in producing single-colour polymers by processing individual colours together to maintain their purity. This approach is particularly advantageous for customers with specific colour requirements.

Step 2: Granulating & Toll Work

Metal Removal & Granulation

The shredded pieces are evenly distributed between two conveyor belts, each fitted with powerful magnets designed to remove any metal contaminants and ensure the plastic is free from impurities. The material then moves through two grinders, which further reduce the 40mm pieces to 8-12mm granules. This step is crucial for preparing the material for the next phase as the granules enter the wash tank.

Step 3: Sink Float

Saline Separation Process

Once dropped into the water, a saline solution is adjusted with salt to match the specific plastic being processed (PP, HDPE or LDPE), causing the target plastic to float to the top while other unwanted materials will sink to the bottom. The materials that settle at the bottom are extracted and placed into a bag beside the machine, ready to be sold on for their individual purpose.

Step 4: Drying

Friction Drying & Cleaning

In the tank, rotating paddles are used to direct the floating material toward the end of the system. From there, it is transferred through a pipe known as a friction dryer, where it undergoes vigorous drying. This process effectively removes old labels, ensuring the plastic emerges clean, free from dust and thoroughly dried leaving the plastic ready for the next stage of processing.

Step 5: Bagging

Bagging & Traceability

The plastic is transferred to the bagging plant in a dry, paper-free, and dust-free condition. Each bag is assigned a unique code for precise tracking, this code corresponds with our in-house systems, to trace the material’s origin, the specific lorry it was transported in, and the production details. This meticulous tracking ensures full transparency and compliance with environmental agency standards.

Step 6: Internal Storage

Storage & Shipment Preparation

All bags are meticulously data-logged and stored in a dry, spotless, dust-free environment to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and integrity. They are covered with protective plastic to safeguard them from any potential contamination. When ready for shipment, the bags are securely packed to prevent moisture and damage, ensuring they remain in optimal condition throughout their journey.

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We started using Ravensbourn about three years ago. Since then, we've had a stress-free and seamless experience disposing and buying plastic. The staff at Ravensbourn are professional, knowledgable and efficient. No need to look elsewhere. 

Oliver Bennett

Managing Director

Responsible Processes With Full Product Traceability

We operate with complete traceability of our sustainable practices, providing detailed information on the origin of materials, associated costs, comprehensive breakdowns & photographic evidence, all supported by approved inspections from the Environmental Agency.

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Creating A Zero-Waste Future For PP & HDPE Plastics

We are deeply committed to achieving a zero-waste future by implementing sustainable practices that significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfill. By closing the loop on plastic use, we minimise our environmental footprint and contribute towards a cleaner planet.

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Eliminating Waste With A Circular Economy Process

Through innovative and responsible manufacturing, we foster a closed-loop system that continually repurposes resources, ensuring sustainability at every stage. This commitment helps us to conserve natural resources, and support the shift towards a circular economy.

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Where We Operate

  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • Belgium
  • Holland
  • France
  • Spain
  • Denmark
  • Poland
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Finland