Compounds made from virgin material or recompounds—which solution is right for your application?
Badico Trading Explained
What is the difference between compounds made from virgin material and recompounds?
- Compound made from virgin material
These compounds are primarily based on newly manufactured polymers. By combining them with additives, fillers, or reinforcing materials, specific properties such as strength, temperature resistance, color, or processability can be precisely tailored.- Recompound
Recompounds are based entirely or partially on recycled plastic materials. Through sorting, testing, and re-compounding, their properties can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Their actual suitability depends on the quality of the starting material and the relevant specifications.
In short: Neither option is inherently better. The key factor is which solution meets the technical, economic, and regulatory requirements of the application.
Virgin-material-based compound and recompound compared
The following overview highlights the key differences in raw material basis, material consistency, properties and typical applications.
| Comparison criterion | Virgin-material-based compound | Recompound |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material basis | Newly manufactured polymers | Fully or partially processed plastic materials |
| Material consistency | Generally very consistent initial quality | Dependent on the source material, processing and quality control |
| Properties | Technical properties can be specifically tailored | Technical properties can be adjusted through compounding |
| Colour options | Often a wide selection with high colour reproducibility | Dependent on the raw material basis and desired colour |
| Resource use | Use of newly produced plastic raw materials | Can reduce the use of primary raw materials |
| Typical applications | Applications with high or particularly consistent requirements | Applications in which recycled content is permitted and technically suitable |
| Cost-effectiveness | Dependent on the polymer, additives, quantity and availability | Dependent on material quality, processing, quantity and market conditions |
Decision-Making Guide
Which solution is best for which situation?
A compound made from virgin material may be appropriate if …
• particularly consistent material properties are required,
• strict color or surface requirements must be met,
• specific approvals or standards must be met,
• no recycled content is intended for the application.
A recompound may be a good choice if …
• the use of recycled plastic materials is technically permissible,
• defined properties are achieved through testing and compounding,
• the use of virgin raw materials is to be reduced,
• quality, availability, and cost-effectiveness are suitable for the application.
The selection should always be based on specific material data, application conditions, and testing requirements.
Further information can be found in our brochure.
Consulting Services Provided by BADICO Trading GmbH
Find the Right Plastic Compound with BADICO
BADICO assists companies in selecting and sourcing suitable plastic compounds. For an initial assessment, factors such as the desired type of plastic, technical requirements, color, processing methods, required quantity, and any applicable standards and approvals are taken into account.
Based on this, it can be determined whether a virgin-material-based compound, a recompound, or another material solution is suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virgin Compounds and Recompounds
Do you have any questions? You’ll find the answers here
No. Quality depends on the raw materials used, the processing, the compounding, and quality control. The key factor is whether the material meets the properties specified for the application.
That depends on the application. Mechanical and thermal properties, color, processability, standards, and approvals must be verified in advance.
Je nach Polymer und Rezeptur können beispielsweise Festigkeit, Steifigkeit, Temperaturbeständigkeit, Flammschutz, Farbgebung und Verarbeitungsverhalten beeinflusst werden.
It is helpful to provide information on the type of plastic, its application, the required properties, processing, color, quantity, and any applicable standards or approvals. Available technical data sheets or material samples can facilitate the testing process.
The availability of technical data sheets and other supporting documentation depends on the specific material and manufacturer. Therefore, any required documentation should be specified at the time of the inquiry.
Contact person
Andreas Badenjki
Managing Director- +4989-21756295
Phone
Give us a call
- info@badico-trading.com
Email
Write us an email
Adresse
BADICO Trading GmbH
Augsburger Str. 43
D-82110 Germering
Get in touch with us
Do you have any questions about our products? Then simply get in touch with us! We will be happy to advise you!