What is the difference between plastic regrind and re-granulate?

---

What is plastic regrind?

Plastic regrind is produced through mechanical processing of plastic waste, most often by crushing and grinding production leftovers or plastic waste. 

Properties of plastic regrind:

• Simple and energy-saving production
• Use as input raw material for further recycling processes, or for less demanding applications

What is re-granulate?

Re-granulate is a more advanced form of recycled plastic. It is produced by heat treatment of plastic regrind, where it is melted, filtered, degassed, and then granulated. The result is regular granules (rolls or lentils).

Properties of re-granulate:

• High homogeneity and purity thanks to thorough processing and the possibility of adding additives (e.g., dyes, stabilizers).
• Higher energy intensity compared to regrind production.
• Ideal replacement for primary granulate - suitable for the production of new plastic products

 

Comparison table

Feature	Plastic regrind	Re-granulate
Production	Mechanical crushing of plastic waste	Heat treatment of plastic regrind
Cleanness	Lower, variable according to input material	High, through filtration and homogenization
Use	Basic raw material, intermediate stage of recycling	Direct material for the production of new products
Energy intensity	Low (mechanical processing)	Higher (thermal extrusion and drying)

 

When should crushed plastic be used, and when is re-granulate more appropriate?

The plastic regrind is suitable for:

• Pre-treatment before the re-granulate production
• less demanding applications where high purity or precise properties are not required

Re-granulate is ideal where:

• high quality and repeatable properties are needed
• we want to fully replace the primary granulate