Neptun Boot’s PVC Recycling Process

Neptun Boot’s Cradle to the Grave recycling policy aims to combat the harmful effects of plastic waste, as well as keep product costs down for our entry-level markets, ensuring that we offer the best product for an affordable price while also taking care to manufacture that product responsibly.

Our PVC recycling process occurs over three stages, each with their own set of steps. Read below a more detailed explanation of our PVC recycling process, and how we are dedicated to responsibly recycling our PVC products.

Stage 1

In stage 1 of our PVC recycling process, we begin by establishing a relationship with the individual mine head offices. The recycling process hinges on buy-in from the individual mines so that Neptun Boot can work together with to develop a system that benefits both parties.

Stage 2

In stage 2 of the PVC recycling process, we manufacture wire cages and erect them at the mine PPE stores. When a miner’s boots are damaged, worn out or need replacement for any reason he hands them in before receiving a new pair – these returned boots are stored in the wire cages. These cages are periodically emptied by a recycling company.

Stage 3

In the third and final stage of the PVC recycling process, the boots are processed at a recycling site. This begins with the boots being identified as either PVC or other material (one pair of rubber boots can contaminate a ton of PVC which would cause that batch to be rejected for re-processing to remove the granulated pieces of rubber or PU).

The boots are then boiled in 210 litre drums. This is done for three reasons: Firstly, to soften the PVC so that the steel toe cap and steel midsole can be easily removed. Secondly, so that any bacteria lingering in or on the boots is killed. And lastly, to loosen and wash off any stones, mud, or oil residue on the boots.

Once the toe caps and midsoles are removed, the boots are granulated into chips about 8mm in size. The granules are run through a de-fluffing plant to remove fluff left over from the sock lining. Finally, these granules are bagged in bulk bags and stored for transport.

The Benefits of PVC Recycling

We use this recycled PVC to reduce the amount of material waste that ends up in landfills, as well as reducing the product costs for our entry-level markets.

The Neptun Boot PVC recycling process also has a number of additional environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions and keeping harmful plastics out of the ocean.

To read in more detail about the benefits of PVC recycling, read our previous blog post on this topic here.

If you’re interested in partnering with Neptun Boot and our Cradle to the Grave Policy, in setting up a recycling depot or as an individual contact brad@neptunboot.co.za.