a process and apparatus is provided for explosively forming plastic objects from shredded plastic such as recycled plastic having different compositions . the shredded plastic and an explosive gas mixture is introduced into a mold cavity having the shape of the object to be formed , and the gas mixture is ignited , generating sufficient heat and pressure to force the plastic to conform to the shape of the mold cavity . the temperature and pressure in the mold cavity is controlled during the explosion by releasing combustion gases from the mold cavity .