Scrap, regrind or granules: which form should you buy?
PlasticSetu sourcing desk · Updated 14 Oct 2026
The same polymer can be bought at several stages of recycling. The right form depends on the equipment you have and how consistent your product needs to be.
| Form | What it is | Price | You need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrap | Sorted waste, as collected | Lowest | Washing, grinding and usually extrusion |
| Lumps / agglomerate | Compacted film or fibre | Low | An extruder with good filtration |
| Regrind / flakes | Ground and often washed | Medium | Direct feeding or pelletising; drying for some polymers |
| Granules | Melted, filtered and pelletised | Highest | Nothing extra; runs like virgin with some adjustments |
When to buy scrap
If you run a washing and pelletising line, scrap gives you the best margin and control. The risk is variable contamination, so photos of the actual lot and clear sorting terms matter.
When to buy regrind
Regrind suits moulders and extruders who can feed it directly or blend it with virgin. Ask for washed material and consistent flake size.
When to buy granules
Granules suit processors who want minimum handling and steady quality. Agree MFI, density, moisture and colour, and ask for a test report with every lot.
Compounds
If you need a specific stiffness or impact, for example glass-filled PP for automotive parts, look at recycled compounds instead of plain granules.
Not sure which form fits? Post your requirement with your product and machine, and the PlasticSetu desk will suggest options.