Pellet and precursor with recycled content
View Patent ↗A precursor for use in forming a multi-attribute pellet that includes virgin and recycled content is disclosed. The precursor may comprise a micro-pellet including recycled content. In embodiments, the micro-pellet may be in the range of about 300 pieces per gram to about 1200 pieces per gram. Embodiments of methods for forming precursors and methods for forming multi-attribute pellets are also disclosed.
1. A method of making a multi-attribute pellet comprising virgin and recycled polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate content, the method comprising:
(a) providing a precursor in the form of a pellet or micro-pellet, the precursor comprising recycled polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate, and the precursor being in a range of about 300 pieces per gram to about 1200 pieces per gram;
(b) suspending or dissolving the precursor in a pre-melt phase solution;
(c) including the precursor of step (b) with an extrusion of a virgin polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate resin; and
(d) extruding a multi-attribute pellet.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursor is strand cut or milled.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursor is run through an extruder, and provides an extruded material.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the extruded material is extruded without drying and provides an amorphous pellet.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursor is cut or severed to a plurality of pellets.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of pellets are formed to have a flat shape.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of pellets are formed to have a round shape.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the precursor is added to a virgin-content manufacturing process as a direct feedstock replacement.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the extruding is performed without drying.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the precursor of step (a) is cut or severed to a plurality of pellets having a flat or round shape.