Conveyor belts are vital for industry as they help materials, products, etc to move between many sectors. When it comes to sustainability, the material that the conveyor belt is made out of matters. In this blog post, we at Wire Belt Company Of America compare stainless steel and plastic belts, focusing on which is the better long term choice.
Stainless steel conveyor belts are made from a mix of iron, chromium, nickel and a few other alloys. The process to create them starts with mining the raw materials, refining them and then combining them into the stainless steel alloy. While this process does use a lot of resources, the upside is that stainless steel is incredibly durable and resistant to rust, which means these conveyor belts can last for decades.
Plastic conveyor belts are produced from materials derived from petrochemicals using methods such as extrusion and molding. Making these plastics requires fossil fuels and energy intensive manufacturing processes. Although plastic conveyor belts are lightweight and versatile, their shorter lifespan and tendency to be disposable raise significant environmental issues.
Due to their durability and long lifespan, stainless steel conveyor belts tend to have a relatively lower environmental impact during the extraction and production stages when compared to many plastic conveyor belts.
Stainless steel conveyor belts are celebrated for their impressive strength and ability to withstand tough operating conditions. They handle heavy loads, high temperatures and corrosive materials with ease. Thanks to their exceptional durability, these belts require less frequent replacements, ensuring a longer operational life and greater reliability.
Plastic conveyor belts are versatile and useful for a range of applications but they are less capable of handling extreme conditions compared to stainless steel belts. Their durability tends to decrease over time, especially in high stress environments, which can lead to a need for more frequent replacements.
Stainless steel conveyor belts, with their remarkable resilience and long lasting performance, offer a more sustainable use phase than many plastic conveyor belts. Their ability to withstand wear and tear for extended periods reduces the need for frequent replacements, making them a more environmentally friendly choice in the long run.
Stainless steel conveyor belts are easily recyclable and doing so uses less energy than producing new material. Recycled stainless steel maintains its strength, which helps cut down the need for fresh raw materials and reduces waste.
Disposing of plastic conveyor belts at the end of their life presents significant challenges. Although certain types of plastics can be recycled, the process is typically complicated and consumes a lot of energy. As a result, many plastic belts are discarded in landfills or burned, which adds to environmental pollution.
Stainless steel conveyor belts are easier to recycle and have a higher recyclability rate than many plastic conveyor belts, making their end of life phase more sustainable. This advantage helps reduce waste and the need for new raw materials.
When it comes to sustainable conveyance, stainless steel outperforms plastic conveyor belts as the more eco friendly option. Its superior durability, recyclability and long lifespan make it the material of choice for industries committed to reducing their environmental impact. As sustainability takes center stage, choosing the right conveyor belt material is increasingly vital for promoting a more responsible and environmentally conscious approach to material handling.
At Wire Belt Company Of America, we generate stainless steel waste during the various stages of our conveyor and conveyor belt manufacturing process. Fortunately, stainless steel is infinitely recyclable, allowing us to avoid sending any excess material to landfills. The recycling process does not degrade the metal’s quality, meaning it retains 100% of its strength, ensuring the durability and performance of the belts we produce. If you would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our technical sales team today.
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