Can Polycarbonate be recycled? Yes! Recycled Polycarbonate (rPC) is a durable thermoplastic recovered from post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) PC waste. It maintains many of the same high-performance properties as virgin PC—such as strength, transparency, and heat resistance—making it a sustainable and cost-effective alternative in demanding applications. rPC is used in for example in automotive, electronics, and construction.
Recycled Polycarbonate has a density of around 1.2 g/cm³ and offers high optical clarity (in transparent grades), dimensional stability, and a high glass transition temperature (around 147°C). These properties make it suitable for applications requiring durability under heat and mechanical stress.
rPC exhibits excellent toughness, impact resistance, and high tensile strength. It is often used as a substitute for glass or metal in applications where lightweight and shatter-resistant materials are needed. The recycled material performs well in injection molding and extrusion, with additives often used to restore or improve mechanical properties.
Recycled PC is resistant to water, many acids, and oils, though it can be sensitive to strong alkalis and some organic solvents. It also offers good electrical insulating properties. Additives may be included to improve UV resistance, flame retardancy, or weatherability, depending on the application.
Recycled PC is commonly available as regrind or pellets/granules, and is suitable for various processing methods. Thanks to its high impact strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability, rPC is used across industries that demand durable, high-performance materials.
Due to its impact strength and heat resistance, recycled PC is used in automotive parts such as headlamp lenses, dashboards, sunroof frames, mirror housings, bumper reinforcements, and interior trim components. It helps reduce vehicle weight and improves sustainability in automotive manufacturing.
Recycled polycarbonate is widely used in electronic and electrical components such as laptop and tablet housings, mobile phone parts, battery enclosures, connectors, switches, circuit breakers, LED light covers, and appliance housings for items like coffee makers, hair dryers, and fans. Its insulating and flame-retardant properties make it ideal for these applications.
In construction, rPC is used for transparent and translucent glazing panels, roofing sheets, greenhouses, skylights, wall cladding, safety glazing, LED lighting diffusers, and protective barriers. It offers transparency, impact resistance, and UV durability, making it a long-lasting material for both interior and exterior use.
Using recycled PC diverts plastic waste from landfills and reduces demand for fossil-based virgin plastics. It also lowers carbon emissions and supports corporate sustainability goals.
Recycled PC can be more cost-effective than virgin PC, especially when sourced through reliable suppliers. It allows businesses to meet environmental targets without compromising on quality or performance.
Thanks to advancements in recycling technology, rPC maintains high mechanical and thermal performance. Additives and compatibilizers can be used to enhance specific properties like flame retardancy or UV resistance.
With proper sourcing, sorting, and processing, rPC can match the quality of virgin PC in many demanding applications. Advances in recycling technology and strict quality control allow rPC to maintain consistent appearance, strength, and reliability.
Yes. Recycled PC is increasingly used in high-performance sectors like automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing. When produced with tight process control, rPC can offer similar performance to virgin PC in impact resistance, heat stability, and dimensional accuracy.
Yes, rPC can be recycled multiple times with proper material management. Each cycle may slightly alter mechanical properties, but with re-compounding and additives, quality can be maintained or restored for further use.
Polycarbonate has moderate natural UV resistance, but for prolonged outdoor use, UV stabilizers are typically added. Recycled PC with UV protection is used in greenhouse panels, roofing, and outdoor signage to prevent yellowing and degradation from sunlight exposure. PC-ABS blends, which combine the toughness of polycarbonate with the weatherability of ABS, tend to have better UV resistance than standard PC. This makes PC-ABS a popular choice for outdoor housings, enclosures, and automotive parts exposed to sunlight.
Polycarbonate is significantly stronger and more impact-resistant than acrylic, making it better for safety-related applications like protective barriers and machine guards. Acrylic is clearer and more scratch-resistant but also more brittle. PC also has higher heat resistance, while acrylic is more suited for decorative and display purposes.
At Ambio, we streamline the sourcing of recycled and bio-based plastics for manufacturers. Leveraging our network of trusted suppliers, we'll find the best option for your product and production. Whether you need post-consumer, post-industrial, or bio-based alternatives, Ambio is your trusted partner for efficient and cost-effective procurement.
Request a quote
