Storage tips
When storing flakes, bales, and agglomerates, packaging should balance function, cost, and sustainability. Common storage options include:
- Raffia sacks – Cheap and easy to move, but they break down quickly, especially in the sun.
- Barrels – Stackable and durable, but expensive to buy.
- Cement bins/silos – Long-lasting and easy to maintain, but have a high upfront cost and make it harder to monitor storage levels.
Best practices for storage
- Standardise weights – Ensuring bags and bales have consistent weights makes stock checks and verification easier.
- Label everything clearly – Mark bags and bales with polymer type, colour, weight, and batch ID (to trace problems if needed).
- Stack materials safely – Stacking helps save space, but unstable piles can cause safety risks. Determine a safe stacking height and do not exceed it.
Understanding and managing loss
Loss happens at every stage of the recycling process, often due to:
- Machine leakage
- Dirty or contaminated materials
- Inaccurate weighing
How to track and reduce loss
- Measure inputs and outputs – Weigh materials before and after each processing step (e.g. before and after crushing).
- Set an acceptable loss threshold – In our case, any loss above 3% means the system needs reviewing.
- Factor in loss when setting targets – If you need 10,000 kg of processed plastic and expect a 5% loss, you should process 10,500 kg to meet your target.
By monitoring loss and improving storage, you can increase efficiency and reduce waste in your recycling system.
