Appearance
This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLASTICS
CA(Cellulose acetate)
A cellulose-derived plastic used for clear or decorative items and fibres.
Polymer / material family
THE NAME, EXPLAINED
What is CA?
CA means Cellulose acetate.
A cellulose-derived plastic used for clear or decorative items and fibres.
Worth knowing
Cellulose-derived does not automatically mean home-compostable. Plasticisers, coatings and the exact cellulose ester affect handling.
WHY MANUFACTURERS CHOOSE IT01 02 03
Properties with a practical purpose.
Mouldability
This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.
Film and fibre formation
This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.
Properties vary with formulation, reinforcement, moisture, processing and service conditions. Use the exact grade data sheet for engineering decisions.
THE NEXT-CYCLE QUESTION
What matters when considering recovery?
A known grade and a clean, separated batch make the recycling enquiry more useful. A route must still be agreed.
Cellulose-derived does not automatically mean home-compostable. Plasticisers, coatings and the exact cellulose ester affect handling.
Poly-Cycle can discuss your material information and collection requirements. Inclusion in this guide does not confirm acceptance, a particular recycling method or that every operation takes place at a Poly-Cycle facility.
How assessment and collection workMake the enquiry easier
- Confirm the identity. Keep the manufacturer, trade grade and polymer marking. For an additive or chemical, include the safety data sheet.
- Describe the batch. Give the weight, colour and form: pellets, parts, sheet, film, fibre or another format.
- Explain what else is present. Declare fillers, coatings, metal inserts, other polymers and previous contact with chemicals or other contaminants.
- Agree the route. Share photographs and your collection postcode before arranging a movement.
FROM THE GUIDE TO YOUR MATERIAL
Have CA to discuss?
Send the team your grade details, approximate quantity and photographs. We can discuss the information needed for your particular batch.
KEEP EXPLORING
Browse High Performance Plastics Related material guides.
PEI
Polyetherimide
A high-performance, often amber-coloured plastic used in precise components exposed to heat.
Understand this material PEEKPolyether ether ketone
A high-performance thermoplastic used when demanding mechanical, temperature and chemical conditions rule out many ordinary plastics.
Understand this material PPSUPolyphenylsulfone
A tough, high-temperature sulfone polymer used for demanding technical parts.
Understand this materialTechnical references and reading
General material information reviewed 1 November 2026. Manufacturer information supports the material descriptions; recycling enquiry guidance is an editorial synthesis, not a statement of a supplier’s or Poly-Cycle’s acceptance criteria.
Browse this guide under: High Performance Plastics. The original category inventory was informed by RM Group’s plastics directory; explanations have been written for Poly-Cycle.