County Plastics working with Craemer UK
County Plastics and Craemer UK Production Waste Recycling Case Study
Executive summary
County Plastics partnered with Craemer UK for five years to collect, process, and return production waste from Craemer’s wheelie bin manufacturing lines. The collaboration turned internal scrap and off‑spec parts into high‑quality regrind and processed polymer material, reduced disposal costs, improved material circularity, and supported Craemer’s sustainability targets.
Challenge
Craemer UK needed a reliable, compliant route for production waste generated during injection moulding and fabrication of wheeled bins. Waste streams included sprues, runners, off‑spec parts, and trimmed flash in polypropylene and HDPE. Requirements included consistent material quality, tight contamination control, predictable logistics, and traceability to meet internal quality and environmental reporting needs.
Solution
County Plastics designed a tailored recycling programme focused on production waste recovery:
- On‑site segregation guidance
to separate polymer types and remove non‑polymer contaminants at source. - Scheduled collections
aligned with Craemer’s production runs to minimise storage and handling. - Dedicated processing route
for production scrap: inspection, removal of metal inserts where required, granulation, de‑dusting, and magnetic separation. - Quality assurance
with batch sampling and contamination reporting to ensure the regrind met Craemer’s specifications for reuse or resale. - Closed‑loop options
to return reprocessed material for non‑critical components or to supply processed polymer for secondary products.
Implementation process
- Audit and planning
— County Plastics conducted a production‑line audit to map waste types, volumes, and contamination risks. - Operational setup
— Agreed acceptance criteria. - Logistics
— Implemented weekly collections with contingency pickups during peak production. - Processing
— Material was granulated, de‑dusted, and passed through metal separation; batches were tested and certified. - Reporting and review
— Monthly reports provided tonnage recovered, contamination incidents, and quality metrics; quarterly reviews optimised the process.
Results and benefits
Operational and environmental outcomes achieved over five years:
- Material recovery
— Production scrap was consistently converted into usable regrind and processed polymer, creating a reliable recycled feedstock. - Waste diversion
— The programme diverted a significant portion of production waste from disposal, supporting Craemer’s circularity goals. - Cost savings
— Reduced disposal and virgin material purchase costs through reuse and resale of reprocessed material. - Quality improvements
— Agreed acceptance criteria and routine testing reduced contamination incidents and improved downstream processing efficiency. - Traceability and compliance
— Batch documentation and monthly reporting supported Craemer’s sustainability reporting and audit requirements.
Lessons learned and next steps
- Segregation at source is critical
— simple line‑side separation dramatically improves final regrind quality. - Clear acceptance criteria prevent disputes
— documented specs for contamination, moisture, and mixed polymers avoid rejected loads. - Regular communication keeps the process lean
— monthly reports and quarterly reviews enabled continuous improvement.
Working with H&O Plastics
County Plastics and H&O Plastics Production Waste Recycling Case Study
Executive summary
County Plastics partnered with H&O Plastics for 15 years to collect, process, and return production waste from bucket manufacture. The long‑term collaboration converted sprues, runners and off‑spec parts into reliable regrind and processed polymer, reduced disposal costs, improved material circularity, and supported H&O’s sustainability targets.
Challenge
H&O Plastics produced consistent volumes of clean production scrap from injection moulding but required a compliant, cost‑effective route to recover value from that waste while maintaining traceability and consistent quality. Constraints included mixed polymer streams, occasional metal inserts, and the need for predictable logistics and reporting to support production planning and environmental targets.
Solution
County Plastics implemented a tailored recycling programme focused on production waste recovery:
- On‑site segregation guidance
to separate polymer types and remove non‑polymer contaminants at source. - Scheduled collections
aligned with H&O’s production runs to minimise storage and handling. - Dedicated processing route
for production scrap including inspection, removal of metal inserts where required, granulation, de‑dusting, and magnetic separation. - Quality assurance
with batch sampling, melt flow testing, and contamination reporting to ensure the regrind met H&O’s reuse specifications. - Closed‑loop options
to return reprocessed material for non‑critical components and secondary products when requested.
Implementation process
- Audit and planning
— County Plastics conducted an audit to map scrap types, volumes and contamination risks. - Operational setup
— Agreed acceptance criteria. - Logistics
— Implemented regular collections and deliveries with contingency pickups during peak production. - Processing
— Material was granulated, de‑dusted and passed through metal separation; batches were tested and certified. - Reporting and review
— Monthly reports provided tonnage recovered, contamination incidents and quality metrics; quarterly reviews optimised the process.
Results and impact
Outcomes achieved over 15 years:
- Recovered feedstock
— Production scrap was consistently converted into usable regrind for non‑critical components and secondary products. - Waste diversion
— A substantial portion of production waste was diverted from disposal, supporting H&O’s circularity goals. - Cost savings
— H&O reduced disposal costs and lowered virgin resin purchases by reusing reprocessed material. - Operational benefits
— Predictable collections and agreed specifications reduced disputes and improved downstream processing efficiency. - Traceability and compliance
— Batch documentation and regular reporting supported H&O’s sustainability reporting and audits.
Lessons learned and recommendations
- Segregation at source is essential
— line‑side separation yields higher‑value regrind. - Clear acceptance criteria prevent disputes
— document contamination, moisture and polymer‑mix thresholds. - Regular communication drives continuous improvement
— monthly reports and quarterly reviews keep the process lean. - Small operational changes deliver big gains
— removing metal inserts and trimming non‑polymer parts before baling reduces downtime. - Scale closed‑loop use gradually
— reintroduce regrind into non‑critical parts first, then expand as confidence grows.
County Plastics Case Study: Supporting Hahn Plastics Through a Decade of Recycling Partnership
County Plastics Case Study: Supporting Hahn Plastics Through a Decade of Recycling Partnership
Summary For more than ten years County Plastics partnered with Hahn Plastics to meet their recycling needs. Over that time we provided reliable collections, tailored processing, technical support, and supply continuity. This long‑term collaboration helped Hahn maintain production resilience and cost control until they opened their own recycling plant this year — a milestone we’re proud to have supported.
Background
Hahn Plastics approached County Plastics with a clear need: a dependable partner to manage their post‑production waste streams and supply consistent recycled feedstock. Their priorities were quality, timely collections, and materials that met strict production specifications. Over the decade the relationship grew from ad‑hoc collections to a structured, strategic supply partnership.
Our Approach
We built a partnership focused on reliability, quality, and continuous improvement:
- Bespoke collection schedules
to match Hahn’s production cycles and reduce on‑site storage needs. - Material specification management
to deliver PP and PE regrind that met their moulding tolerances. - Contamination control
through pre‑sorting guidance and on‑site training for Hahn’s operators. - Flexible processing
to produce batch sizes and particle profiles tailored to Hahn’s product lines. - Logistics coordination
to ensure timely deliveries and minimise production downtime. - Technical support and consultancy
on material handling, storage, and reuse options.
Each element was designed to reduce risk for Hahn and to make recycled material a practical, cost‑effective part of their supply chain.
Results and Impact
The partnership delivered clear, practical benefits for Hahn Plastics and for County Plastics:
- Consistent material quality
that allowed Hahn to integrate recycled feedstock without compromising product performance. - Improved operational efficiency
through predictable collections and fewer emergency shipments. - Cost stability
by reducing reliance on volatile virgin resin markets and lowering waste disposal costs. - Stronger sustainability credentials
for Hahn as they increased recycled content in their products. - Knowledge transfer
that prepared Hahn to scale their own recycling capability.
These outcomes contributed directly to Hahn’s confidence and capability to invest in their own recycling plant.
Transition to Hahn’s Own Recycling Plant
This year Hahn Plastics opened their own recycling facility — a natural next step after a decade of collaboration. County Plastics supported that transition by:
- Sharing operational best practices
for sorting, granulation, and quality control. - Providing interim supply
while their plant reached full capacity. - Advising on equipment selection and layout
based on real‑world processing experience. - Offering training sessions
for Hahn’s new recycling team on material handling and contamination prevention.
We view this transition as a success for both companies: Hahn gains independence and capacity, while County Plastics demonstrates the value of long‑term partnership and industry expertise.
Looking Forward
County Plastics remains committed to building long‑term, practical partnerships across the plastics sector. Whether you need reliable collections, tailored reprocessing, or technical support to develop in‑house capability, we bring the experience and flexibility to help you succeed.
Contact us to discuss how a partnership with County Plastics can support your recycling goals and future growth.
Working with Bromborough Plastics
County Plastics & Bromborough Plastics: A Powerful Partnership Shaping the Future of UK Recycling
In an industry that’s evolving faster than ever, County Plastics is proud to announce a bold new partnership with Bromborough Plastics — a collaboration built on shared values, complementary strengths, and a united vision for long‑term growth. Together, we’re creating a stronger, smarter, and more resilient force within the UK plastics recycling and distribution sector.
This partnership marks a major milestone for both companies. After decades of operating independently — each with its own loyal customer base, technical expertise, and strong reputation — we’re now combining our capabilities to deliver a new level of service, reliability, and innovation to clients across the country.
And the best part? This is only the beginning.
🤝 A Partnership Rooted in Trust, Quality & Shared Ambition
County Plastics and Bromborough Plastics have always shared the same core principles:
- Consistency and reliability
- High‑quality processing and supply
- Straightforward, honest communication
- Commitment to UK manufacturing and recycling
These values have shaped both companies for decades. Now, by joining forces, we’re amplifying what we already do best — and opening the door to new opportunities that neither company could achieve alone.
This partnership isn’t about changing who we are. It’s about strengthening what we stand for.
🚀 What This Means for Our Customers
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. By working together, County Plastics and Bromborough Plastics can now offer:
Greater Processing Capacity
With shared resources and expanded machinery, we can handle higher volumes of PP and PE, ensuring cleaner, more consistent recyclate.
Improved Lead Times
A combined logistics network across Bolton, Manchester, and the Wirral means faster deliveries, smarter routing, and more reliable supply.
More Flexible Product Options
From natural PP regrind to bespoke PE blends, our combined product range is broader and more adaptable than ever.
Stronger Market Stability
In a year where virgin polymer prices and recyclate demand are shifting rapidly, our partnership gives customers the security of a stable, dependable supply chain.
Enhanced Customer Support
With two experienced teams working together, clients benefit from deeper technical knowledge, faster communication, and more personalised service.
This collaboration is designed to make life easier for our customers — and to help them stay competitive in a challenging market.
🔧 Technical Strength Meets Commercial Expertise
County Plastics brings decades of hands‑on recycling expertise, including:
- PP and PE reprocessing
- Granulation
- De‑dusting
- Metal removal
- Size‑reduction engineering
- Quality‑control systems
- Compliance and traceability
Bromborough Plastics complements this with:
- Strong commercial development
- Customer‑focused distribution
- Product sourcing
- Market insight
- Long‑standing relationships across the plastics sector
Together, we’re creating a full‑circle solution — from waste collection and processing to supply, distribution, and long‑term client support. It’s a partnership that blends engineering precision with commercial strength.
🌱 A Shared Vision for Sustainable Growth
The UK recycling landscape is changing quickly. With EPR, Plastic Tax, and Simplified Recycling reshaping the industry, companies need partners who can adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve.
County Plastics and Bromborough Plastics are already developing a joint roadmap for future growth, including:
1. Major Capacity Expansion
We’re planning new machinery investments, upgraded processing lines, and increased throughput for PP and PE recyclate.
2. A Unified Logistics Strategy
By combining transport networks, we’ll reduce lead times, cut emissions, and improve delivery reliability.
3. New Product Development
We’re exploring new grades, bespoke blends, and customer‑specific materials to meet evolving market demands.
4. Sustainability Leadership
Our partnership positions us to help clients meet recycled‑content targets, reduce costs, and stay compliant with new regulations.
5. Innovation & Technology Projects
We’re investing in advanced sorting, improved quality‑control systems, and smarter data tracking to deliver cleaner, more consistent materials.
6. Long‑Term Workforce Development
Both companies are committed to training, upskilling, and building a future‑ready team that can support growth for years to come.
This isn’t just about growing bigger. It’s about growing better — sustainably, responsibly, and strategically.
🌟 Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Both Companies
The partnership between County Plastics and Bromborough Plastics represents a new chapter — one defined by collaboration, ambition, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Together, we’re creating:
- A stronger supply chain
- A more flexible product offering
- A more resilient business model
- A more innovative approach to recycling
- A more dependable service for customers
We’re excited about what’s ahead. We’re proud of what we’re building. And we’re ready to shape the future of UK plastics recycling — together.
