How to Write a Recycled Granules Data Sheet (TDS) Buyers Trust

A buyer comparing recycled granules from several suppliers usually starts with the data sheet. If yours is missing basic information or gives numbers without test conditions, the buyer has to call you, ask for clarification, or simply move to the next option. A clear technical data sheet (TDS) saves time on both sides and signals that you control your process.

This guide lists what a useful TDS for recycled granules should contain, and how to keep it honest.

Product identification

Start with what the material is:

• Polymer: for example PP homopolymer or copolymer, HDPE, LDPE, ABS. If the base polymer is uncertain or blended, say so.
• Form: granules, with approximate size if known.
• Grade name: your internal code, used the same way on every document.
• Source: post-industrial or post-consumer, and the main feed type, such as crates, film or raffia.
• Processing route: for example washed, pelletised, single or double filtered.

Key properties, with test conditions

A number without its test method is hard to compare. Give each property with the standard and conditions used.

Property	What to state
MFI	Value, temperature and load, and the standard such as ASTM D1238 or ISO 1133
Density	Value in g/cm3 and the method used
Moisture	Value and how it was measured
Ash or filler content	Value and test temperature
Mechanical properties	Only if tested, with the standard and specimen type

MFI is the property buyers ask about most, but it means little without conditions. PP is commonly tested at 230 C and 2.16 kg, while PE is commonly tested at 190 C and 2.16 kg. See MFI and the guide on how to check MFI. For recycled material, give a range rather than a single value, because lot-to-lot variation is normal. A range you can actually hold is worth more than a precise figure you cannot repeat.

Density helps buyers spot blends: a PP grade reading well above about 0.91 g/cm3 may contain filler or PE. Ash content shows filler such as talc or calcium carbonate; see ash content.

Appearance and cleanliness

• Colour: natural, white, a named colour, or black. Mention whether colour varies between lots.
• Filtration: the screen mesh used in the final pass. Finer filtration usually means fewer gels and specks.
• Odour: worth mentioning if the material is low-odour or has a noticeable smell.
• Visible contamination: black specks, gels or unmelted particles, described plainly.

Packing and lot numbering

State the bag type and net weight per bag, whether bags have liners, and how bags are labelled. Explain your lot numbering, for example production date plus line number, and confirm that the lot number appears on each bag and on test reports. A buyer who has a problem can then report it against a specific lot, and you can check your retained sample.

Recommended applications

Tell the buyer what the material is suited for, such as injection moulding of household items, blow moulding, or blown film, and what it is not suited for. A recycled HDPE grade with a low MFI may suit pipes or blow moulding but not thin-wall injection. Being clear about limits prevents failed trials. See recycled HDPE granules and recycled plastic for injection moulding for how buyers think about this.

Storage and processing notes

Include brief advice: store under cover, dry before processing if the polymer or application needs it, and suggest a starting processing temperature range only if you have tested it. Keep it short and practical.

Add a fair disclaimer

Close with a short note that values are typical, based on your testing, and that recycled material can vary between lots. Recommend that buyers run their own trials before production. This is honest, and it protects you without hiding anything.

Using your TDS on PlasticSetu

When you list your materials, add the key values from your TDS and mention that a full sheet and sample are available. The sourcing desk shares matching details with buyers when a requirement fits. For the buyer side of the same exercise, see the quality checklist.