Meaning
Chlorinated organic compounds that can act as hazardous contaminants or process byproducts within polymer supply chains. The presence of organochlorides in recycled plastic feedstocks poses significant risks to processing equipment and finished part safety. These chemical compounds often originate from household waste, residual solvents, or the accidental mixing of polyvinyl chloride with polyolefins during collection.
Equipment Degradation
Thermal processing of resins containing these contaminants releases highly corrosive hydrochloric acid. This acid attacks the metal surfaces of extruder screws, barrels, and expensive injection moulds, causing pitting and premature wear. Implementing pre-sorting technologies and chemical washing steps reduces the concentration of these harmful compounds before the material enters the melt phase.
Safety Hazard
Heating these compounds during extrusion or injection moulding releases toxic vapors that require specialized extraction and filtration systems on the production floor. Residual chlorinated compounds in the finished part can also leach out, violating regulatory standards such as those governing food contact or medical applications. Testing incoming recycled resins for chlorine content is necessary to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Economic Viability
High concentrations of chlorinated contaminants reduce the market value of recycled resin lots. Compounders must apply discount pricing to contaminated batches or use them only in low-value, thick-walled applications where cosmetic and mechanical demands are minimal. Investing in rigorous testing protocols helps processors avoid the high cost of ruined tooling and rejected finished product.
