How to Store and Handle Recycled Plastic Resin: Best Practices for Quality Preservation

## How to Store and Handle Recycled Plastic Resin: Best Practices for Quality Preservation

### Storage Requirements

**Temperature**:
– Ideal: 15-25°C
– Maximum: 35°C
– Avoid: Direct sunlight, heat sources
– Impact: High temp accelerates degradation

**Humidity**:
– Ideal: <50% RH - Maximum: 70% RH - Critical for: PET, PA, PC - Impact: Moisture causes hydrolysis **Packaging**: - Original sealed bags: Best - Bulk containers: With desiccant - Open bags: Use within 24 hours - Re-seal: After each use ### Handling Procedures **Receiving**: 1. Inspect packaging integrity 2. Check moisture indicator 3. Verify lot number and COA 4. Store in designated area **Transfer**: 1. Use clean, dry equipment 2. Avoid contamination 3. Minimize exposure time 4. Label containers clearly **Drying Requirements**: | Material | Temperature | Time | Dew Point | |----------|-------------|------|-----------| | PET | 140-160°C | 4-6 hours | -40°C | | PA6 | 80-100°C | 4 hours | -20°C | | PA66 | 80-100°C | 4-6 hours | -20°C | | PC | 120°C | 3-4 hours | -20°C | | ABS | 80°C | 2-4 hours | -20°C | ### Shelf Life **General Guidelines**: - PET: 6 months (sealed) - PA: 3 months (sealed) - PC: 6 months (sealed) - PP/PE: 12 months (sealed) **Indicators of Degradation**: - Color change (yellowing) - Odor development - MFI increase >20%
– Brittleness

### Quality Checks

**Before Processing**:
– Visual inspection
– Moisture content test
– MFI verification
– Color measurement

**During Storage**:
– Weekly temperature check
– Monthly moisture check
– Quarterly MFI check
– Annual full testing

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**Keywords**: recycled plastic storage, handling best practice, quality preservation, moisture control, drying