Meaning
Linear low density polyethylene made from recycled plastic films and packaging offers a flexible and tough material for new products. Pcr lldpe is often used in the production of trash bags, shipping envelopes, protective wraps and agricultural films. Incorporating this material into a production line helps to divert plastic waste from landfills and supports a circular economy.
Melt Strength
Blending recycled film resin with virgin polymer helps to maintain the bubble stability in film blowing operations. Because pcr lldpe has already been through a heat cycle, it may have a lower molecular weight than virgin resin. Careful management of the blend ratio ensures that the film can be drawn down to the required thickness without tearing.
Stabilization of the melt is necessary for maintaining the physical properties across multiple heat cycles.
Contamination Control
Quality of the recycled pellets depends on the efficiency of the sorting and washing process. Pcr lldpe can contain traces of labels, adhesives, or other plastics that create gels or specks in the final film. Using fine melt filtration is necessary to remove these impurities and ensure that the film has the required clarity and strength for its intended use.
The presence of even a small amount of moisture in the recycled pellets can cause bubbles to form in the melt, leading to surface defects that make the film unusable for high quality printing.
Sustainability Goal
Companies use recycled content to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with new packaging laws. Using pcr lldpe allows a brand to claim a specific percentage of recycled material in their products, which is increasingly required by retailers and government agencies. This shift towards recycled film resin is driving improvements in the technology used to collect and process flexible plastic waste.
