Types of Recycled and Eco-Friendly Plastics

Recycled Plastics
  • Post-consumer recycled plastics: sourced from used products and packaging
  • Post-industrial recycled plastics: recovered from manufacturing offcuts or waste
  • Examples include recycled PP, HDPE, ABS, and Nylon
  • Can be used for prototyping, low-volume runs, or even larger production
Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics
  • Made from renewable sources like corn starch, PLA, or other plant-based materials
  • Designed to break down naturally under specific conditions
  • Ideal for packaging, disposable items, or environmentally sensitive products
Specialty Eco-Plastics
  • Plastics with reduced carbon footprint, enhanced recyclability, or made from bio-based feedstocks

Choosing the Right Material

Selecting the best eco-friendly plastic depends on:
  • Mechanical and thermal requirements of the part
  • End-of-life disposal or recycling considerations
  • Cost and availability of the material
  • Production method, whether low-volume prototyping or high-volume injection moulding

​Protoshape’s Experience

At Protoshape, we have extensive experience working with:
  • Recycled plastics for sustainable production
  • Biodegradable and eco-friendly plastics for environmentally conscious designs
  • Material advice and tooling solutions to ensure high-quality parts from alternative plastics
Our in-house design, toolmaking, and injection moulding capabilities allow us to guide customers through material selection and produce parts efficiently while maintaining quality and performance.

​Learn More About Eco-Friendly Injection Moulding


If you’re looking to integrate recycled or sustainable plastics into your products, Protoshape is your trusted partner in Scotland.
Email or call us today to discuss how we can help you produce environmentally friendly, high-quality injection moulded parts.