Question 1

Can recycled LDPE pellets be used in blown film lines designed for virgin LDPE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases — but process adjustments are often needed. Recycled LDPE pellets may have slightly different MFI and thermal properties compared to the virgin grade they replace. Start with a trial blend (30–50% recycled, 50–70% virgin) to assess bubble stability, film gauge consistency, and surface quality before increasing recycled content. Ensure the melt filter on the blown film line is rated for the contamination level of the recycled pellets — finer filtration may increase back-pressure and require screw speed adjustment. Request a process guidance note from the pellet supplier.

Question 2

What contamination level is acceptable in recycled LDPE pellets for film?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable contamination levels depend on the film application. For agricultural mulch film and industrial stretch wrap, contamination levels below 300 ppm are generally acceptable. For refuse sacks and construction sheeting, up to 500 ppm may be tolerable. For applications requiring a clean, defect-free film surface (retail packaging, printed films), specify pellets with contamination below 150 ppm and a gel count test report confirming low inclusion levels. Higher-quality post-industrial material typically achieves below 100 ppm contamination.

Question 3

What is the typical price difference between recycled and virgin LDPE pellets?

Accepted Answer

Recycled LDPE pellets typically trade at a discount to virgin LDPE — the discount varies with oil prices, recycled material availability, and the quality of the recycled grade. Post-industrial high-quality rLDPE may trade at 10–25% below virgin pricing. Post-consumer grades in natural or grey colour may trade at 20–40% below virgin. Black rLDPE (with carbon black) is typically the most cost-competitive and is used where colour is not a constraint. Prices fluctuate with both virgin resin markets and collected waste availability — request current pricing directly from suppliers.

Question 4

Are recycled LDPE pellets approved for food-contact film?

Accepted Answer

Direct food-contact applications for post-consumer recycled LDPE require specific EU decontamination process approval under EU Regulation 282/2008 (or equivalent national legislation) and must use an approved recycling process. Most standard recycled LDPE pellets — particularly post-consumer grades — are not approved for direct food contact. Post-industrial rLDPE from clean, food-grade input streams may be suitable for indirect food contact (outer packaging layers) but requires documented food-contact compliance. Confirm with your regulatory advisor before using recycled LDPE in any food-contact film application.

Recyceltes LDPE-Granulat für die Folienproduktion

Post-industrial vs post-consumer recycled LDPE pellets

Recyceltes LDPE-Granulat für die Folienproduktion

Post-industrial vs post-consumer recycled LDPE pellets

Key quality specifications for recycled LDPE film pellets

GRS certification and recycled content documentation

Frequently asked questions

Can recycled LDPE pellets be used in blown film lines designed for virgin LDPE?

What contamination level is acceptable in recycled LDPE pellets for film?

What is the typical price difference between recycled and virgin LDPE pellets?

Are recycled LDPE pellets approved for food-contact film?

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