Electronic Parts/Guidelines - infoHouse

The specification should be referenced on engineering drawings and on IBM purchase orders for
plastic packaging materials which have not been in contact with contaminants including hazardous
materials. The specification includes an overview of IBM's resin coding system and makes recommen-
dations on the methods used to encode plastics with the resin identifier.
4.9.6 Expanded Plastic (Foam) Materials
Historically, plastic foam manufacturers have utilized defective parts, trimmings and other in-house
scrap to supplement virgin resin when manufacturing foamed materials. Because there are no con-
taminants and minimal collection costs associated with this source, manufacturers are eager to sup-
plement their virgin resin with the recycled foam. The cost to add the recycled material is small due to
the reduced requirement for resources, energy, and the cost avoidance of landfill.
While plant scrap materials have been processed for many years, the recycling of plastic products
afler they have been used by consumers is a relatively new process.
4.9.7 Reclamation of Expanded Plastics
In comparison to structural foam or plastic, packaging waste suffers from one additional reclamation
burden in that it is blown or expanded to perform it useful function. This process reduces the density
of the plastic; A process that must be reversed for efficient material collection. Packagings may be
densified by either using heat or grinding dependent upon the particular resin.
4.9.8 Products Made from Recycled Plastics
The excellent value and versatile use of the recycled resin material produced from post-consumer or
scrap material has sp.urred the rapid development in recycling technology and creative end-uses for
the recycled material.
The suitability of a recycled resin for a particular application will depend upon the technical demands
of the application and the nature of any contamination resulting from the prior material use.
Typical secondary applications for popular foam types are listed below:
Polystyrene: Expanded polystyrene foam may find secondary applications in either its original, but
shredded form, or in a reprocessed variety.
1. Soil aeration (Plants)
2. Inexpensive toy stuffing or filling
3. Bean bag chair stuffing
4. Regrind for subsequent molding in EPS cushions
5. Semi-rigid Styrene Products, including:
Trash containers,
Children's toys
Office Products or equipment,
Videotape Housings
- Plastic lumber
Polyurethane: Urethanes of ether or ester can be used for rebond applications. All colors of material
are processable as are densities of up to 2.2 psi. Higher ILDs (between 20 and 150). are preferred for
rebond applications. Polyurethane rebond may be used for:
I. Carpet Rebonding
38 Environmental Packaging Guidelines