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Types of Recycled Plastic Lumber

High density polyethylene (HDPE) recycled plastic lumber

This style of recycled plastic lumber is composed of up to 95% of HDPE. It is the same kind of material used in the production of milk jugs.

Pros:

  • HDPE RPL is available in a number of colors.
  • High density polyethylene RPL is well-suited for pallet decking.

Cons:

  • The stiffness of the HDPE material is significantly less than that of wood.

Commingled Recycled Plastic Lumber (RPL)

Commingled recycled plastic lumber is composed of mixed recovered thermoplastic, which is plastic that can be re-heated and molded to a different shape. It consists primarily of 80% - 90% polyethylene (PE).

Pros:

  • Commingled RPL is available at a low cost because sorting is cut to a minimum.
  • Commingled recycled plastic lumber (RPL) is well-suited for use as pallet decking.

Cons:

  • This type of RPL is only available in typical earth tones.

Wood-Filled Recycled Plastic Lumber (RPL)

Wood-filled RPL is created from plastic mixed with sawdust or some other type of recycled fiber, typically a mix of fifty percent polyethylene (low-density polyethylene or LDPE) and fifty percent sawdust or another recycled fiber.

Pros:

  • Wood-filled RPL leaves few voids.
  • Materials used provide the best possible traction.
  • Wood-filled RPL provides a greater surface roughness.

Cons:

  • This form of RPL can absorb moisture.
  • Wood-filled recycled plastic lumber may not be completely insect resistant.

Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Plastic Lumber (RPL)

Fiber-reinforced recycled plastic lumber is manufactured from plastic mixed with chopped and continuous strands of durable glass fiber.

Pros:

  • Fiber-reinforced RPL is stiffer than some plastic lumber.

Cons:

  • Fiber-reinforced RPL is less flexible than other recycled plastic lumber.

What are the advantages of recycled plastic lumber over traditional wood construction materials?

Recycled plastic lumber is a clean, non-toxic and non-porous alternative to the wood used in manufacturing traditional pallets. In addition, all types of strictly plastic RPL have the following advantages over wood pallet material:

  • RPL is moisture resistant.
  • Recycled plastic lumber is chemical resistant.
  • Materials used in production are resistant to graffiti.
  • Durable RPL pallets will not crack under pressure.
  • RPL does not require the introduction of preservatives.
  • Recycled plastic lumber pallets do not require paint to maintain color.
  • Durable RPL pallets are impervious to bugs.
  • Recycled plastic lumber is maintenance free.
  • RPL is unfriendly to bacteria.

Benefits of RPL to the local community.

  • Recycled plastic lumber diverts plastic waste from local landfills.
  • RPL minimizes wood waste caused by pallets, particularly treated wood waste.

Purchasing Expense

Pallets made from recycled plastic lumber do have a higher initial purchase price than virgin wood, but last quite a bit longer than traditional wood.

When ongoing maintenance, replacement, and full life cycle costs are included in the review, recycled plastic lumber products will cost less than wood if the pallet is designed properly. Also, the plastic lumber can be recycled at the end of its full life.

Purchase prices of RPL are expected to go down as the technology gets better, and demand increases, whereas the prices associated with wood, are expected to increase.

RPL Pallet Manufacturing Expenses

The costs of manufacturing pallets and other goods using recycled plastic lumber depend in part on:

  • Sorting technology.
  • Production capacity.
  • Quality of available recycled resins.
  • Quality of additives used to improve the RPL’s properties.
  • Quality of the recycled plastic lumber manufacturing process.

To place a reusable plastic lumber pallet order with us or get additional information, please contact us at 727.319.2300 or sales@reusabletranspack.com.