Can Recycled Plastics Be Used in Injection Molding?

One of the most common questions we hear is: "Can recycled plastics be used in injection molding?"

The answer is yes — but with some important caveats. In this post, we’ll explain how recycled plastics fit into the injection molding process, the benefits and limitations, and what to consider if you’re thinking about using them for your next project.

At Complete Plastics we often use Post_Industrial Recycled (PIR) Plastics. These are scraps or cut-offs from manufacturing processes — often higher in quality because they haven’t been exposed to contaminants like consumer waste.

Recycled ABS in stock at Complete Plastics

Cost Savings

Recycled plastics can sometimes be less expensive than virgin materials — particularly for high-volume, low-spec parts.

Limitations and Challenges

Recycled resins may vary in color, melt flow, strength, or contamination levels. This can lead to part defects or reduced performance if not properly managed. Some recycled plastics may degrade during reprocessing, making them less suitable for load-bearing or precision applications. Achieving consistent color with recycled plastics can be challenging, particularly with darker or mixed-color resins.

Best Practices for Using Recycled Plastics

Use Blends When Possible. Many manufacturers use a blend of virgin and recycled plastic (e.g., 30% PCR, 70% virgin) to balance performance and sustainability. We also suggest running material trials; Test recycled materials on your mold and machine to verify part quality, fill behavior, and cycle times before full production.

Conclusion: Yes, Recycled Plastics Can Be Used — Smartly

Recycled plastics absolutely have a place in modern injection molding. With the right design considerations, material selection, and quality control, you can successfully integrate recycled resins into your production process — and contribute to a more sustainable future in manufacturing.

At Complete Plastics, we support clients in selecting the best material for each project — whether virgin, recycled, or a hybrid. If you're interested in exploring recycled plastics for your next mold, contact us today for expert guidance.