Plastikszemcsék

Plastikszemcsék, commonly known as plastic pellets or nurdles, are small, irregularly shaped pieces of plastic that serve as the raw material for manufacturing a wide range of plastic products. They are typically produced from virgin plastic resin or recycled plastic. These pellets are the fundamental building blocks from which larger plastic items are molded, extruded, or blown.

The production process involves melting down plastic polymers and then extruding them into long strands, which are subsequently cooled and cut into small pellets. These pellets are then sold to manufacturers who melt them down again and shape them into finished goods like bottles, containers, toys, and automotive parts. Their uniform size and consistency are crucial for efficient and predictable manufacturing processes.

However, plastikszemcsék also pose a significant environmental concern. They are a major source of microplastic pollution, often escaping into waterways and oceans during manufacturing, transportation, and handling. Their small size makes them difficult to contain, and they can be mistaken for food by marine animals, entering the food chain. Efforts to mitigate this issue include stricter regulations on handling and transportation, as well as the development of biodegradable alternatives. The persistent nature of plastic means that even these small pellets can last for hundreds of years in the environment.