Recycled Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (R-LLDPE)

High-quality r-LLDPE regrind and granules

At Cirplus, we supply high-quality regrind and regranulate to manufacturers of stretch films for packaging, agriculture, and construction industries.

Featured r-LLDPE materials

Post-consumer or post-industrial LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) is available in a range of colors, from transparent to black, and is suitable for blown film applications such as stretch film and agricultural film. Visit our product page to see all our products.

Quality and standards

We are working with a limited, quality-controlled set of recycled LLDPE suppliers that stand for certified, standardized PCR & PIR recyclates according to our initiated DIN SPEC 91446/EN18065.

What is LLDPE?

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is a type of polyethylene characterized by its linear structure with short, uniform branches. This molecular arrangement gives LLDPE distinct properties, including higher tensile strength and better puncture resistance compared to other types of polyethylene.

Differences Between LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE

Polyethylene (PE) is categorized into different types based on density and branching:

• LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE has a highly branched structure, resulting in a lower density (0.91-0.94 g/cm³). It is softer, more flexible, and has a lower melting point (105-115 °C) compared to LLDPE and HDPE. These properties make it ideal for applications like plastic bags and films.

• LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene): LLDPE has a linear structure with short, uniform branches, providing higher tensile strength and impact resistance than LDPE. It has a density range of 0.915-0.925 g/cm³ and a melting point of 120-160 °C. LLDPE is commonly used in applications requiring flexibility and strength, such as stretch film and packaging materials.

• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): HDPE has a linear structure with minimal branching, resulting in a higher density (0.93-0.97 g/cm³) and higher strength and rigidity compared to LDPE and LLDPE. It has a melting point of 130-137 °C and is used in products that require durability, like containers, pipes, and household goods.

Recycled LLDPE Applications

What products can be made from recycled LLDPE?

Depending on the contamination level, recycled LLDPE is available in both food-grade and non-food-grade varieties. Due to diverse sources of LLDPE waste, the availability of food-grade recycled LLDPE is lower than that of non-food-grade. Food-grade applications include flexible bottles, lids, and food containers. Non-food-grade products include new plastic bags, hoses, cables, floor tiles, vehicle parts, toys, detergent containers, shipping bags, rubbish bin liners, compost bins, and films. Films made from recycled LLDPE are extensively used in the agricultural industry.

Various methods optimize the properties of LLDPE recyclates for specific applications, such as blending recycled LLDPE with virgin LLDPE or using additives like stabilizers, color masterbatches, and fillers. Cellulose-based fillers, such as wood fibers, are particularly beneficial due to LLDPE's low melting temperature (120 – 160 °C). This approach is also ecologically advantageous since the resulting composite comprises recycled LLDPE and renewable resource-based fillers.

R-LLDPE material properties

What are the benefits and drawbacks of recycled LLDPE?

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family, composed of repeating ethylene units. Compared with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), LLDPE has a more linear molecular structure with shorter branches, providing different properties. LLDPE boasts high tensile strength, impact resistance, and puncture resistance. The typical density range for virgin and recycled LLDPE is 0.915 – 0.925 g/cm³. Additionally, it is flexible, possesses high elongation, and can be made in a translucent form. However, LLDPE has lower stiffness and hardness compared to HDPE.

These properties make virgin LLDPE ideal for applications like stretch film and packaging. The amount of recycled LLDPE is generally lower than that of HDPE due to technical challenges in recycling flexible and thin films. Depending on the input source, recycled LLDPE is available in various qualities and colors. Post-consumer LLDPE recyclates often contain mixtures of LLDPE and HDPE and are typically gray or black. Post-industrial LLDPE is available in custom colors. Additives are used to enhance specific properties of the recyclates for various applications.

LLDPE Waste Feedstock

Which sources can be used for LLDPE recycling?

LLDPE is widely used in various industries worldwide. The main post-consumer LLDPE feedstock for both food- and non-food-grade applications is derived from packaging materials such as films, carrier bags, and squeeze bottles.

Post-industrial LLDPE feedstock materials are often sourced from films, products from the electronics industry, and chemical tank linings. Recycled LLDPE is typically available as granules suitable for extrusion molding. Other forms include regrinds from containers, pallets, water and gas pipes, or cable sheathing, as well as agglomerates obtained from heavy-duty sacks.