Scepter points to recycling prowess

Scepter, maker of fuel and water containers, says almost 100 percent of any high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste created in the manufacturing process is reground and then used in the making of the company’s multi-layered containers.

To make its containers, the company uses millions of pounds of virgin HDPE each year, plus the reground HDPE.  

“We manufacture both blow molded and injection molded products,” says Tony Cacic, site leader with Scepter in Ontario, Canada. “During that process there’s always some waste. We regrind and re-use that waste product as one of the layers in our containers. It’s the same durable material and actually adds an ‘environmental layer’ to the construction of each container.” 

Scepter has two manufacturing locations in North America. More than 300 employees at the plants produce millions of fuel and water containers each year.

“In addition to the regrind procedures for HDPE, our facilities recycle everything from wooden pallets to the ink cartridges used in our offices,” says Loyd Qualls, site leader with Scepter in Miami, Okla. “Scrap metal is recycled. Plastic and cardboard are recycled. We’re even in the process of converting to LED lighting right now. 

High-density polyethylene is a lightweight, safe and durable thermoplastic, the company says. The material itself has no negative effects on the environment, which is one of the reasons Scepter uses the plastic in its manufacturing process, the company says.