OCEAN PLASTICS MATERIALS OPTIONS

Ocean Plastic Materials

A leader in ocean plastic material offerings, RSP offers many options for eco-conscious manufacturing to help you meet your sustainability goals. We currently offer the following ocean plastic materials:

• HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PP (polypropylene)
• Pellets (or resins and granules), yarn, canvas and filament
• More than 60 base materials to choose from*
• Bioplastic blends of virgin plastic (PP) or blends of virgin and recycled ocean plastics combined with hemp, jute and other natural fibers

*Additional materials are in development, further opening possibilities for new ocean plastic products and applications for RSP customers.

Despite the potential for slight inconsistencies arising from using recycled plastic, ocean plastic materials exhibit remarkable similarities in terms of moldability when compared with virgin (newly processed) plastic. They can be easily substituted in many applications, ensuring product quality and performance preservation. In numerous test-molding projects, RSP has successfully substituted ocean plastic by modifying the plastic as needed and carefully adjusting molding parameters.

Cost: Is Recycled Ocean Plastic More Expensive Than Virgin?

The price of ocean plastic, relative to virgin plastic, can vary by 5–25% depending on the specific material type and color chosen. However, it is important to note that in certain instances, using ocean plastic has resulted in cost savings for RSP’s clients compared to virgin material. While material price is a significant component of the quoted price for molded plastic, it is crucial to consider that other factors contribute to the overall cost, and the average price increase is typically only 2–5%.

We’re happy to discuss these key questions before offering a quote (which can include test molding and production molding). Contact us today.

Applications

RSP is your trusted manufacturing partner for a wide range of sustainable projects, including ocean plastic, bioplastics and packaging. We share your vision for a more environmentally conscious future, and our expertise and commitment to innovation make us the ideal collaborator to bring your sustainability initiatives to fruition.

• Molded/Custom-Molded Ocean Plastics: Regardless of whether your project involves a small molded plastic component (such as a buckle) as part of a larger nonplastic product, or a stand-alone item entirely made of plastic (such as a makeup case), RSP is your go-to partner for custom manufacturing. We specialize in creating sustainable solutions by incorporating ocean-bound plastic content ranging from 5% to 100% into molded plastic products. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in determining the optimal material mix for your product, considering technical specifications, performance requirements and other essential factors.
• Extruded Ocean Plastics: Plastics extrusion is an efficient manufacturing process that enables the transformation of molten plastics into continuous profiles, resulting in a wide range of products, including plastic films and sheeting. At RSP, we have pioneered the development of a versatile recycled material known as ocean-bound rPET (recycled PET), which exhibits similar performance characteristics to virgin PET and other recycled PET materials. These extruded sheets hold immense potential for various packaging applications, offering a sustainable alternative with numerous benefits. This yarn is a great example of extruded plastic.
• Thermoformed Ocean Plastics: Thermoforming involves heating a plastic sheet, then vacuum sealing and stretching it over a tool to create the desired product shape. At RSP, we specialize in transforming ocean-reclaimed plastic into rPET plastic sheets required for thermoforming. These sheets are then used to manufacture various products, including containers, packages, water bottles, etc. In particular, our thermoformed options are an excellent choice for food and beverage companies catering to environmentally conscious consumers seeking food-safe packaging solutions such as clamshells. Clamshell Food Packaging made with 70% ocean plastic

RSP can help you with your eco-conscious thermoforming needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Ocean-Bound rPET

RSP has developed an ocean-bound plastic rPET that is easy to integrate with or substitute for virgin material when the goal is increased sustainability and recycled content.

Our ocean-bound rPET material is a breakthrough innovation combining environmental responsibility and product performance. This unique material blend consists of 25% to 75% ocean-bound PET sourced from reclaimed plastics collected from our waterways, and the remaining content is virgin material. This composition allows us to create a high-quality, sustainable material that can be used in various forms, including extruded sheets, film or formed products.

With ocean-bound rPET, we offer standard thickness options of 0.2mm, 0.3mm and 0.4mm, providing versatility to meet your specific packaging requirements. Whether you need thin films for wrapping or thicker sheets for rigid packaging solutions, our range suits diverse product applications.

Ocean-bound rPET is ideal for:

• Thermoformed trays
• Blister packs
• Bags
• Foldable cartons
• Clamshells
• Printed labels and displays – prints easily with no special preparations

Recyclable Ocean Plastics

Ocean plastics, like other types of plastics, are indeed recyclable. However, it is essential to understand and follow the applicable local regulations and limitations regarding their recycling. By properly disposing of ocean plastics in designated recycling streams, we can contribute to their transformation into new products and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Recycling is a crucial step in the circular economy, where materials are recycled and reused instead of discarded. The recycling process for ocean plastics is similar to that of other plastics. However, it is important to note that there may be specific guidelines or limitations in place due to the unique characteristics of ocean plastics.

Choosing ocean plastics, reclaimed from waterways worldwide, and recycled by our trusted partners at Oceanworks?, is a significant step toward adopting a more sustainable and circular approach to manufacturing your products. By opting for these materials, you contribute to transforming discarded plastics into valuable resources, extending their life cycle and reducing environmental impact.