M. Rutkevičius, S. Zhong, C. Kammer, T. Scott, M. Hetrich, S. Neupane
ABB Inc.,
United States
Keywords: post-consumer recycling, life cycle assessment, packaging, sustainability, circular economy
Summary:
Abundant use of low density polyethylene (LDPE) in packaging makes this material one of the most produced plastic globally. Its primary use as a disposable packaging material also results in the large quantity of LDPE waste with limited quantity being recycled. To decrease the use of virgin LDPE and increase the use of secondary streams, such as Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) grade options, a wider acceptance of recycled LDPE needs to be achieved. In this study we have procured PCR-LDPE materials from multiple suppliers, and successfully manufactured films with different LDPE composites with various PCR loading levels. The tensile properties of the films and the hot-knife seals, water vapor transmission properties of the films, and optical properties of the films were measured and analyzed. No significant difference was detected between the virgin LDPE and its PCR composites in terms of mechanical, thermal, or vapor barrier properties. However, the optical properties such as light transmission were affected by the impurities from the PCR stream. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) were performed for the different film compositions, showing substantial improvements in sustainability, especially at higher PCR loadings. This study provides evidence that the switching to PCR LDPE packaging without compromise in performance is possible, especially in packaging where appearance of the film is not critical.