Material Guide
Recycled ABS (rABS)
A durable engineering plastic made using recovered ABS material, giving existing plastic another use in new products.
A durable engineering plastic made using recovered ABS material, giving existing plastic another use in new products.
What is recycled ABS?
ABS — short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — is a strong, rigid thermoplastic commonly used to manufacture durable plastic products and components.
Recycled ABS, often referred to as rABS, incorporates ABS recovered from manufacturing waste or previously produced goods. This material is processed so it can be used again in the manufacture of new products.
From recovered ABS to new material
- 1
Collected
Suitable ABS plastic is recovered from manufacturing or existing products.
- 2
Sorted & cleaned
The material is separated from other plastics and contaminants.
- 3
Reprocessed
Recovered ABS is processed into material that can be used again.
- 4
Remade
The recycled material is used to manufacture new products and components.
Recycled ABS in promotional merchandise
The strength and mouldability of ABS make it useful for many promotional products, particularly where a rigid plastic component or housing is required.
Technology accessories
Recycled ABS may be used in casings, stands and housings for tech accessories.
Writing instruments
Selected pens and writing tools may incorporate recycled ABS components.
Desk accessories
Stands, organisers and other desk items may use recycled ABS structures.
Everyday merchandise
Personal accessories, tools and other promotional items may also include recycled ABS.
Why choose recycled ABS?
Uses recovered plastic. Incorporates existing ABS material into new manufacturing rather than relying solely on virgin plastic.
Strong and rigid. ABS is valued for its strength and rigidity, making it suitable for products that require a durable plastic housing or structure.
Versatile. It can be moulded into detailed shapes and components, allowing it to be used across many different product categories.
Extends the use of existing material. Recycling suitable ABS provides another use for plastic that has already been manufactured.
Not all ABS is recycled ABS
A product being made from ABS does not automatically mean that recycled ABS has been used.
Ecosource distinguishes between ABS and Recycled ABS (rABS). A recycled ABS claim should only be used where recycled ABS is identified for that particular product.
Recycled-content percentages may also vary between products.
Look for the distinction
“ABS” identifies the type of plastic. “Recycled ABS” or “rABS” indicates that recovered ABS has been incorporated into the material.
Check the individual product information for the specific material identification and any recycled-content percentage supported by the supplier.
What about carbon impact?
Material choice is only one part of a product's overall carbon footprint.
Manufacturing, product weight, packaging, decoration, quantity, transport and final destination can all influence the footprint of a finished order.
Where supplier-provided product carbon information is available, Ecosource displays it separately on the relevant product.
Understanding the claim
A recycled ABS claim refers to the use of recycled ABS within a product. It does not necessarily mean that the entire finished product is made from recycled material.
Avoid assuming that:
- electronics, internal components, coatings, trims, fasteners, packaging and other materials may form part of the finished product;
- the percentage of recycled ABS can vary between products;
- a product described as ABS is not necessarily the same as a product described as Recycled ABS (rABS).
Where Ecosource displays a specific recycled-content percentage, that figure should reflect the information available for the individual product.
Explore Recycled ABS products
Discover promotional products in our range made using recycled ABS.