How Does PlasTech Approach the Plastic Problem?

Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)

PlasTech plans on processing post-consumer plastic within already existing MRF facilities, more specifically, defunct MRFs. Material Recovery Facilities were created in the 2000s by the Filipino government to help combat the plastic waste crisis in the country. These facilities were meant to be localized collection centers stationed in every single barangay in the Philippines. Citizens from each barangay could then donate their plastic to these centers, from which the plastic would be processed into a more useful product. However, due to lack of government funding and deteriorating infrastructure, a majority of these facilities are now defunct. So, PlasTech plans on installing the “PlasTech Process” within these already existing MRF spaces.

A functional MRF in Pasig City, Manila, Philippines

The PlasTech Process

Below is a description of the process PlasTech currently goes through to ensure plastic waste can be transformed into a higher-value, post consumer product. All of these processes would occur within or near the MRF space to allow for easy processing, and a more centralized process

Step One: Plastic Collection

In any business venture, prior to obtaining a finished product, a raw material is needed. The raw material in PlasTech’s case is post-consumer plastic. PlasTech obtains this raw material using collection bins scattered around a half mile away from the MRF site. Collection bins are established in areas where there’s higher foot traffic and plastic use, like next to corner stores, or outside of parks. These collection sites rely entirely on the goodness of people, to donate their plastic and allow PlasTech to lock up their plastic so it doesn’t eventually end up on the street or in the ocean. PlasTech facilities also accept drop-off donations of plastic.

Step Two: Plastic Sorting

The next step in the facility is to sort the plastic by type. Plastic packaging is usually labeled with a number from 1 to 7, which indicates what type of plastic the plastic is. PlasTech mainly focuses on sachet plastic, which is usually type 7, or “Other” due to being composed of many different types of plastic. However, we still accept and use other types. Once the plastic is brought from the collection sites back to the facility, the plastic is sorted appropriately using the 1-7 numbering system.             Plastic numbering system (Credit: Fairsnape.com)

Step Three: Plastic Shredding

The next step is to shred the plastic into small flakes. These flakes are only a few millimeters in diameter, and make the plastic not only easy to be pelletized, but also easier to transport. PlasTech owns a shredding machine that is capable of shredding all 7 different types of plastic efficiently and effectively. This shredder shreds only one type of plastic at a time to keep the types of plastic segregated. This is done because mixing different types of plastic can lead to reduction in mechanical ability during the extrusion process.

Step Four: Washing/Cleaning

The second to last step currently being implemented at PlasTech is washing of the plastic flakes. This is done using a bucket and stick system, which although is very simple, is still very effective. Plans are underway to make this system less mechanical and more automatic, but as of now, PlasTech still uses a bucket and stick system. Cleaning additive and water is added to a bucket, which is then stirred, allowing for dirt and organic materials to disperse into the solution. This process has been tested numerous times by PlasTech, and has shown to be an effective washing method.

Plastic washing process

Step Five: Drying

This is the step that PlasTech is currently working on, but will be capable of quickly and effectively drying the washed plastic. The plastic must be dried because problems can occur with shredded plastic that remains wet. This plastic oftentimes clubs together, making it more difficult to transport. Plastic that hasn’t been dried may also contain a higher moisture content, which has been shown to lead to cracking during the extrusion process.

Next Steps for PlasTech

ROLLOUT (Summer 2023)	MRF facility that will  Sort–>Shred–>Wash–>Dry–>Sell
DRY AND PELLATIZE (Fall 2023)	Adds a Drying and Pelletization Step to the Facility, expands possible buyer network
UPCYCLING (Spring & Summer 2024)	MRFs will be given the opportunity to up-cycle pellets into bricks Increases margins and possible buyers

Our Goal

Our business mission and goal as PlasTech Ventures is to build a socially and environmentally responsible company that constructively combats the plastic waste crisis in the Philippines in a manner that provides steady income opportunities. To achieve this, the venture is focused on supplying the technology and methodology to repurpose post-consumer plastic waste into higher-value products that have a long lifespan to lock-up a large volume of waste plastic.

PlasTech’s vision is to have fully operational mini plastic recycling facilities in every single barangay in the Philippines. Locals would then be able to donate their plastic to their respective facility, which would then be turned into higher value products that lock the plastic up for years to come. We envision these facilities being run by local community leaders, who genuinely have an interest in helping their community, as well as the rest of the Philippines.