Signs of the Times

The award-winning Image Microsystems, Austin, Texas, has specialized in reverse logistics for electronics since 1992.

The company says it recycles electronic equipment while also practicing zero-landfill and no-overseas-dumping policies. One challenge has always been finding uses for plastic components from printers, computers and cartridges. “There’s really not a good way to deal with the plastic,” says Liz Walker, vice president of marketing, “because generally the plastic doesn’t have much downstream value.”

Image Microsystems has worked to change that situation. Landscape stepping stones were one solution, and in 2011 the company launched MicroStrate, a traffic sign material made from these plastics. Manufacturing takes place at a new plant in Kyle, Texas. So far, thousands of the signs have been used around the world. Walker, who heads up the MicroStrate division, talked with Recycling Today about the product.
 

Q: How did the MicroStrate division originate?

A: I wanted to find a viable product that could be sold to the Texas Department of Transportation. They suggested we manufacture a sign substrate that could stand in for aluminum. I had equipment that could be modified to make the material, and we bought new molds. Then we had the material tested at Texas Tech University. We discovered that MicroStrate signage actually performs better than aluminum in many instances. And, our material is 30 percent less expensive than aluminum.
 

Q: What is the scope of your operation?

A: In Kyle we operate 24/7 and are consuming 80,000 pounds of dirty e-waste plastic every 24 hours, producing roughly the same amount of MicroStrate.
 

Q: What makes you different from your competitors?

A: We’re the only reverse logistics provider that actually manufactures a product from e-scrap. Right now, a lot of this kind of material is being exported to China. MicroStrate is keeping e-waste plastic from entering landfills. It’s also more durable and less expensive than aluminum and is the only nonaluminum substrate that can be used with 3M reflective sheeting that doesn’t void their warranty.
 

Q: What is your company’s philosophy?

A: I’d like people to understand that here in America we can make a product out of this material and we can build a business that employs people. Another company focus of ours is employing workers from the deaf and special needs communities.