Where it comes from and how it reaches extrusion.
When we talk about the “origin of plastic,” it’s not just history it’s also about which raw materials it comes from and how it reaches the factory as a ready to process material for manufacturing extruded tubes and profiles.
Where does plastic come from today?
Today, most plastics come from three main sources:
- Fossil based (oil and natural gas): the most common. These raw materials are used to obtain base building blocks that, through industrial processes, become polymers such as PP, PE, or PS.
- Recycled: made from plastic waste that is collected, processed, and converted back into pellets so it can be transformed again.
- Bio based (bioplastics): derived wholly or partially from renewable sources, such as PLA. Important: bio-based does not automatically mean biodegradable.
The key step: pellets
Regardless of its origin, the material usually arrives at the plant in pellet form. These pellets can include:
- Color (for example, through masterbatch)
- Additives to fine tune properties (strength, slip, stability, etc.)
That’s why the “origin” matters but so does the formulation.
From material to product: extrusion
Extrusion transforms pellets into parts with a constant shape along their entire length, such as tubes, profiles, or rods.
The final result depends on:
- The material
- The cross-section design
- The tolerances
- Process control
Conclusion
Plastic can come from different sources (fossil based, recycled, or bio based), but the key is choosing the right option for the application and transforming it through a controlled process to achieve a stable, repeatable product.
If you’re considering a custom profile or tube, tell us the application, target material, and quantities and we’ll guide you.