Baling wire for recycling PET and HDPE plastic

Baling Wire Direct serves the PET and HDPE plastic recycling industry with high-quality baling wire and bale ties. Our products are made in the USA under strict protocols to meet the highest quality standards. Recycling operations can rely on our products to perform under the toughest conditions.

But our partnership with the recycling industry doesn’t stop at the use of our products. We also promote the recycling of used baling wire. By recycling used baling wire, recycling companies can double down on their environmental commitment, reduce the use of precious resources, and reduce carbon emissions.

A leading PET and HDPE plastic baling wire manufacturer

Baling Wire Direct is a leading manufacturer of wire products used in the PET and HDPE recycling process. Our manufacturing process is a testament to our environmental commitment. By sourcing American-made steel from trusted, family-owned mills, we support local businesses and reduce shipping emissions.

After purchasing, our steel undergoes a mechanical descaling process. Our mechanical reverse-bending process removes scale from the steel without the use of environmentally dangerous chemicals. This process not only prepares the steel's surface for further manufacturing but also allows us to put our environmental commitment into action.

After descaling, each batch of wire undergoes tension tests to ensure that only the highest quality bale wire reaches our customers. This level of quality control is essential for the recycling industry, where the strength of bale wire can affect the safety and efficiency of operations.

Finally, our wire is drawn through a heavy-duty, bullblock continuous wire machine, which reduces the wire diameter to the desired size and air-cools the wire to ensure consistent tensile strength.

Baling Wire Direct provides the recycling industry with reliable and sustainable wire products

PET and HDPE recycling industry forecast

The PET and HDPE plastic recycling industry is poised for substantial growth. Forecasts predict the recycled plastics market to increase from $69.4 billion in 2023 to $120.0 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.1%.

PET, as the largest recycled resin, is a significant contributor to this growth. Market expansion is driven by heightened sustainability awareness, advancements in recycling technology, and supportive government policies aimed at curbing plastic pollution.

Demand for recycled PET and HDPE is also rising across industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive, which are increasingly seeking sustainable material solutions. The industry's growth trajectory is expected to continue as global sustainability efforts intensify.

What is PET plastic?

PET (polyethylene terephthalate), also known as PETE, is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is widely used in fibers for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing. It is a clear, strong, lightweight, and 100% recyclable plastic. 

PET is known for its durability, non-reactivity, and shatterproof properties, making it suitable for beverage bottles, food containers, and packaging. It is the most common thermoplastic polymer and is also used in combination with glass fiber for engineering resins. PET can be recycled back into its original uses or into products such as fiberfill for textiles or thermoform packaging. The recycling code number for PET is #1.

What is HDPE plastic?

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a petroleum-derived thermoplastic known for its strength, high-impact resistance, and versatility. It's used in products such as plastic bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles, cutting boards, and piping.

HDPE is also used in fuel tanks, food containers, personal care product containers, trash cans, recycle bins, and medical equipment. It's recognized for its tensile strength, large strength-to-density ratio, and high melting point. HDPE is commonly recycled, and its recycling code number is #2.

Common products made from recycled PET and HDPE plastic

PET and HDPE are commonly recycled into a variety of products.

Recycled PET is often used to create:

• Bottles and containers. PET can be recycled back into its original uses, such as beverage bottles and food containers.
• Fiber-fil or poly-fil material. This is used as insulation in items such as winter jackets and snow pants.
• Thermoform packaging. This rigid plastic is used in cups, tubs, lids, boxes, trays, and egg cartons.
• Clothing and carpets. PET can be melted down and spun into fibers for these applications.

Recycled HDPE is commonly used to make:

• Bottles. HDPE is often recycled into bottles for various applications.
• Plastic lumber and furniture. This is used for items such as picnic tables, benches, and decking.
• Toys. HDPE's durability makes it suitable for making toys.
• Piping. HDPE's corrosion resistance and durability make it ideal for utility pipes.
• Recycling bins and trash cans. These are common products made from recycled HDPE.

What is the plastic recycling process?

The circular lifecycle of plastic involves the following steps.

1. Collection and sorting. Plastic waste is collected and sorted at a waste material recovery facility.
2. Baling process. The sorted plastic waste is then compressed into compact, dense blocks known as bales.
3. Sale to processors. Plastic processors or recycling facilities buy bales of recycled material.
4. Initial processing. Upon arrival at the processing facility, the bales are prepared for the recycling process. This may involve re-baling smaller bales into “mill size” bales, which are more suitable for processing.
5. Shredding and cleaning. The plastic bales are shredded into smaller pieces. These shreds are then cleaned and filtered to remove any impurities, such as residual paper or other non-plastic materials.
6. Granulation. The cleaned, shredded plastic is melted and formed into pellets.
7. Manufacturing new products. Depending on the type of plastic, these recycled products can range from new plastic containers and bottles to clothes, outdoor furniture, and building materials.
8. Resale. Recycled products are then distributed and sold to consumers, completing the recycling process.

Some plastic waste may be ineligible for recycling. The recycling process can also vary depending on the specific practices of the recycling facility and the type of plastic being recycled.

PET and HDPE plastic baling wire sizes

We offer a wide variety of wire products suitable for recycling PET and HDPE plastics. Our products are compatible with a range of baling machinery, including vertical and horizontal balers.

Gauge is a standard way of sizing plastic baling wire. Wire gauge is inversely related to diameter, meaning that a smaller wire diameter corresponds to a higher gauge wire.

• Our hi-tensile galvanized baling wirecomes in 11 and 12 gauge.
• Our regular galvanized baling wire comes in 11, 12, 13, and 14 gauge.
• Our black annealed baling wire comes in 9, 10, 11, and 12 gauge.

Our single and double loop bale ties come in 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 gauge (with half sizes available in select products)