Industrial Plastic Film Roll Recycling & Liquidation
For flexible packaging converters, commercial printers, and food manufacturers, "film waste" doesn't just mean loose plastic—it means Roll Stock.
Whether it is obsolete inventory sitting in a warehouse due to a packaging design change, or "setup rolls" and "butt rolls" generated daily during production, dealing with plastic on the core presents unique challenges. Standard recyclers often reject roll stock because they lack the machinery to handle the density or the cardboard cores.
Waste Optima specializes in the liquidation and recycling of industrial film rolls. We connect you with downstream partners capable of processing heavy master rolls, slit rolls, and printed inventory, ensuring you recover maximum value from your high-performance polymers.
The "Roll Stock" Challenge
Recycling rolls is fundamentally different from recycling baled warehouse scrap.
The Core Problem: Most recyclers cannot process film that is wound on fiber or plastic cores.
Material Complexity: Packaging films are often engineered polymers (BOPP, PET, Nylon) rather than simple LDPE.
Density: A single master roll can weigh 2,000+ lbs, creating a safety hazard for facilities without heavy-duty guillotines or shredders.
We manage the logistics for these difficult streams. Our network includes facilities equipped with industrial guillotines and core-splitters, allowing us to accept material "as-is" on the roll, saving your team the labor of unwinding or cutting.
Service Tiers: Liquidation vs. Recycling
The value of your material depends on its condition. We categorize roll stock into two distinct service tiers:
1. Obsolete Inventory Liquidation (Resale)
Target: Virgin, unprinted, or lightly printed film rolls that are aged or discontinued.
Outcome: We broker these rolls to secondary markets (e.g., construction film, agricultural barriers) where the material specifications are less critical.
Value: Highest recovery potential (Sold as "Good on Roll").
2. Production Scrap Recycling (Regrind)
Target: Setup rolls, startup waste, heavy print coverage, or edge trim.
Outcome: Material is mechanically shredded, melted, and pelletized (repro) to create new plastic products.
Value: Scrap commodity value (Based on polymer type).
Polymer Types We Manage
We handle a wide spectrum of flexible packaging films, not just standard polyethylene.
Polyolefins (PE/PP): LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and CPP. Common in shrink film, bread bags, and agricultural film.
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): The standard for snack food packaging and labels. We have strong outlets for clear and metallized BOPP.
PET (Polyester): High-tensile films used in lamination and strapping.
PVC (Vinyl): Flexible PVC from banner printing and blister packaging. Note: Must be segregated from other plastics.
Film Roll Valuation Matrix
| Polymer Type | Roll Condition | Best Outlet |
|---|---|---|
| LDPE / LLDPE | Clean / Clear / Aged | Resale (Secondary Market) |
| BOPP (Polypro) | Printed / Production Scrap | Regrind (Pelletizing) |
| PVC (Vinyl) | Segregated Rolls | Vinyl Recycling |
| Multi-Layer | Laminated / Barrier | Energy Recovery (WtE) |
Secure Destruction for Branded Inventory
For brand owners disposing of obsolete printed packaging, security is paramount. You cannot risk your branded film ending up on the gray market or in a roadside dump.
Waste Optima provides Certified Destruction for branded inventory. We ensure that printed rolls are shredded and destroyed prior to recycling, guaranteeing that your brand equity is protected while you meet your sustainability goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recycle plastic rolls with cardboard cores?
Yes. We work with processors equipped with industrial guillotines and core splitters. You do not need to unwind the material manually; we can accept the rolls "as-is" and separate the fiber core from the plastic downstream.
Do you buy obsolete printed packaging film?
Yes. While unprinted film has higher value, we have strong markets for printed BOPP, PET, and LDPE rolls. We also offer Certified Destruction services to ensure branded packaging is destroyed during the recycling process.
What is the difference between liquidation and recycling?
Liquidation involves selling aged or off-spec rolls into a secondary market for reuse (e.g., as construction film). Recycling involves shredding and melting the plastic to create raw pellets (regrind) for manufacturing new products.
Clear Your Warehouse Floor
Don't let dead inventory consume your working capital. Contact Waste Optima to review your surplus roll stock. We will determine if your material qualifies for resale or recycling.
Related Services
Chemicals • Heavy Industrial • Organics • Paper • Plastic • Surplus Inventory
Last updated: 2025-12-12