• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Made in the U.S.A. | Shipping included for all online orders within the contiguous U.S. See Details
Order By Phone: (833) 261-6501
Americover logo

Americover | Plastic Sheeting Supplier for Construction and Horticulture

Protection from the Ground Up

(833) 261-6501 : Order By Phone M-F, 7am-4:30pm (PST) | Distributors | My Account | 0 Items
Log In Cart
  • Products
    • Shop by Application
    • GROWS
    • Agriculture
    • Greenhouse
    • Landscape and Hardscape
    • Water Retention Liner
    • Livestock Curtains and Barriers
    • BUILDS
    • Surface Protection
    • Containment
    • Vapor Barriers
    • Liners and Covers
    • Safety
    • Drainage
    • Recreational Events
    • Shop by Product
    • Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting
    • Reinforced Plastic Sheeting
    • Self-Adhesive Plastic Film
    • Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting
    • Antistatic Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting
    • Heavy Duty Liners
    • Tapes & Accessories
    • Heat Shrink Wrap
    • Vapor Retarders
    • Non-Reinforced Poly Sheeting
    • VIEW ALL PRODUCTS
  • About
    • About Americover
    • Who We Serve
      • For Builders
      • For Growers
      • For Distributors
    • Meet the Team
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Request a Quote
poly pellets virgin vs regrind

Virgin vs Regrind in Poly

poly pellets virgin vs regrind

What is Poly?

Polyethylene sheeting is made from poly pellets that are melted and then extruded or blown through a machine to make the desired thickness of the sheeting. While the pellets are being melted, any additives such as fire retardant, coloring, ultra-violet inhibitors, etc. are added to the mixture. The melted pellets and the additives are thoroughly mixed and then the mixture is pushed (extruded) through a narrow slit in the film casting or blown through a die. The film comes out in a curtain or bubble, moving at several feet per second and falls onto rollers that cool each side of the film.

Virgin vs Regrind: What is the difference and why is it important?

Virgin poly pellets are brand new pellets – never been used before. Regrind pellets are made from melting down used poly and then made into pellets. This used poly can come from many different places and things such as plastic bottles, old tarps, plastic bags, etc. They come from just about anywhere from households to commercial sites during demolition.

While recycling is good for our planet, it’s not always the best option for poly sheeting. If you need to put plastic on the ground for landscaping to keep the weeds down, go ahead and use recycled plastic. On the other hand, if you’re putting in a vapor barrier or shrink wrapping something important enough to keep it in a weather-proof wrap, then you might not want a poly made from regrind. Regrind pellets could have dirt, moisture, or other foreign materials in them. This negatively affects the poly sheeting in the following ways:

  • Color variations
  • Cloudy or smoky poly due to specks in the material or incomplete washing
  • Varied thicknesses in the same sheet of poly due to uneven melting of the pellet material
  • Elongation at break is lower
  • The film tends to be more brittle

When buying poly film, keep in mind what is its purpose? A vapor barrier must keep out vapor and it can’t do that if it has pinholes. An abatement plastic must not breach. When using heat shrink wrap, the material needs to be uniform in thickness or it won’t shrink correctly. If the film is brittle, you might have cracking. When putting up film to create barricades, you want to be able to see through it clearly.

Americover has been helping customers for over 25 years. Supporting customers around the world with personalized service and ensuring the right solution for each and every project. If you are interested in purchasing poly film for your next project, Americover is here to help 760-388-6294.

[qode_advanced_tabs title_tag=”h3″][qode_advanced_tab tab_title=”Request Distributor/Contractor Pricing”]

For Contractors and Distributors

We offer special pricing, volume discounts, short lead times and a dedicated account manager who will work with you to get exactly what you need. If you would like to speak with a representative, contact us at 760-388-6294.

[/qode_advanced_tab][/qode_advanced_tabs]

Primary Sidebar

Search Blog Posts


Categories

  • Americover BUILDS
    • Anti-Static Poly
    • Containment Liners
    • Crawlspace
    • Disaster Preparedness
    • Dust Containment
    • Fire Retardant
    • Floor Covering
    • Glass Containment
    • Green Building
    • Home Improvement
    • Radiant Barriers
    • Regulations and Safety
    • Renovation
    • Root Barriers
    • Surface Protection
    • Trade Shows
    • Vapor Barriers
  • Americover DIY
    • Halloween Haunted House
    • Heat Shrink Wrap
    • Helpful Tips
    • Ice Rink
    • Special Events
    • Water Slide and Summer Creations
  • Americover GROWS
    • Aquaponics
    • Greenhouse Covers
    • Harvest Tips
    • Hydroponics
    • Light Deprivation
    • Marijuana Growers
  • Americover News
  • Product in Action
  • Uncategorized
  • Video Library

Subscribe to News and Updates

Register to receive product updates, special offers, and industry news!

SUBSCRIBE

833.261.6501
inquiries@americover.com
Submit Contact Form

Request a Pricing Quote

Simply fill out the form below and a team member will get back to you shortly to discuss your Volume Pricing quote.

Footer

About Us

Americover is a premier supplier of plastic sheeting and polyethylene solutions serving businesses and consumers across the construction, horticulture and agriculture industries.

Contact Us

833.261.6501
Send us an email
Submit Contact Form

Order Support

  • My Account
  • Request a Catalog
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Warranty Coverage
  • FAQs
  • Conversion Calculators
  • Contactenos (Español)

News and Updates

Blog

Subscribe to receive product updates, special offers, and industry news!

Subscribe Now

Copyright © 2023. Americover, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Headquarters: 2067 Wineridge Place, Ste F, Escondido, CA 92029