As ABS core tubes become increasingly widespread in precision roll-based applications such as film, optical film, new energy and electronic tape, a long-overlooked issue is gradually coming to light: many end-users are unaware that ABS core tubes possess significant recycling and reuse value.
Excellent Recyclability from Production to Use
Material Advantage: ABS core tubes are primarily made from ABS resin and are formed through extrusion or injection moulding processes. The material itself offers excellent recyclability and reuse potential.
Production Recycling: During machine set-up, mould testing and production line changeovers, manufacturers may generate a certain amount of waste tubes. These waste materials can be:
- Shredded and pelletised for reuse in new production processes
- Processed into recycled ABS materials for secondary applications
- Collected through established industrial recycling channels
This creates a relatively mature recycling chain on the manufacturing side.
End-User Challenge: The recycling situation is different at the consumer end. Many film and foil manufacturers using ABS core tubes still dispose of used tubes as ordinary industrial waste after use.
This not only results in the loss of recyclable resources but also means that the potential economic value of used ABS core tubes is often overlooked.
Information Gaps Limit Recycling
Main Reason: Industry insiders point out that the recycling challenge is mainly caused by information asymmetry between the supply and demand sides.
Manufacturers are generally familiar with waste recycling processes, but downstream users may not have the same level of awareness.
Many end-users still face several challenges:
- Lack of knowledge about ABS core tube recycling methods
- Difficulty identifying suitable recycling channels
- Limited awareness of the remaining value of used core tubes
As a result, large quantities of recyclable ABS core tubes continue to enter general industrial waste disposal streams instead of being recycled effectively.
Building a Closed-Loop Recycling System
Market Opportunity: With the VAT refund rate for recycled resources expected to increase to 50% in 2026, together with the development of graded recycling systems for waste plastics, the economic value of ABS core tube waste is receiving increasing attention.
Industry Development: Core tube manufacturers are encouraged to take a more active role in promoting recycling awareness by providing customers with:
- Waste tube recycling guidance
- Recommended recycling channels
- Information about reuse possibilities
Such efforts can help establish a more complete "production → use → recycling → regeneration" closed-loop system.
A more efficient recycling model can:
- Reduce resource waste
- Improve recycling efficiency
- Create additional economic value
- Support sustainable manufacturing and resource utilisation
