Agglomerate

Also called: Agglo, densified film, popcorn

Agglomerate is film, raffia or fibre scrap densified into small, irregular lumps so it can be fed and processed more easily.

Agglomerate is light, bulky plastic scrap, mainly film, raffia and fibre, that has been compacted into dense, irregular lumps. In an agglomerator, a fast-spinning blade heats the scrap by friction until it softens, and a splash of water then shocks it into small crumbs. The result is much easier to transport, store and feed into an extruder than loose film.

Why it matters when buying recycled plastic

• Agglomerate has been heated but not fully melted and filtered, so it is less uniform than granules.
• Ask for the source scrap: post-industrial film agglomerate is usually cleaner than post-consumer.
• Check moisture content, as the water quench can leave moisture behind.
• Look for burnt or yellowed particles, which indicate overheating in the agglomerator.

Common uses

Common types are LDPE and LLDPE film agglomerate and PP raffia agglomerate. They are used as feedstock for pelletising into granules, or directly in some extrusion and moulding of lower-grade products. See also scrap vs regrind vs granules.