When it comes to plastic, we often lump everything together.
In public debate the word plastic it is automatically associated with waste, pollution and rubbish.
The reality, however, is much more complex and above all not all plastics are created equal.
In this article we want to explain, in a simple and concrete way, why LDPE and HDPE, the two polymers at the basis of most Teamplast products, they do not represent the problem, but a fundamental part of the solution when it comes to sustainable, recyclable and efficient packaging.
What are LDPE and HDPE (in simple terms)
LDPE and HDPE are two types of polyethylene, one of the most widely used plastic materials worldwide for industrial, food and logistics packaging.
- LDPE – Low density polyethylene
It is flexible, elastic and resistant.
It is used for bags, films, hoods, liners and protective covers.
- HDPE – High Density Polyethylene
It is more rigid and structured.
It is used for shopping bags, containers, more robust bags and envelopes.
The most important thing to understand is this:
LDPE and HDPE are monomaterial materials, that is, composed of a single polymer.
Why monomaterial is so important for recycling
In the world of recycling, simplicity is a huge value.
A packaging made with:
- more coupled materials
- different layers glued together
- mixed or incompatible plastics
It is very difficult – if not impossible – to recycle effectively.
On the contrary, LDPE and HDPE:
- they are easily recognizable from the selection plants
- can be mechanically recycled
- they fall within consolidated and truly operational recycling chains
In practice, When a polyethylene bag or film is correctly disposed of in the plastic recycling collection, it has a very high probability of becoming a new raw material..
Real recyclability, not just "on paper"“
A central concept in packaging sustainability is that of real recyclability.
A material can be defined as truly sustainable only if:
- is collected
- is selected
- it is recycled today, not “maybe in the future”
LDPE and HDPE fully meet these criteria:
- are already recycled on a large scale
- they are transformed into new films, bags and plastic products
- allow a concrete circular economy, not theoretical
It is also for this reason that the European regulations he consortium systems such as CONAI tend to favor single-material polyethylene packaging over more complex and difficult-to-recycle solutions.
Plastic yes, but well designed
Support LDPE and HDPE This does not mean that “all plastic is good”.
Instead, it means recognizing that properly designed plastic is a resource.
A well-designed PE packaging:
- use only the necessary material, avoiding waste
- protects the product, reducing waste and scraps
- It lasts over time and is often reusable
- it is recyclable at the end of its life
In many cases, a bag or film made of LDPE:
- it weighs very little
- has a lower environmental footprint than heavier alternatives
- avoids damage, contamination and product waste.
It is important to remember this: Throwing away a damaged product has a much greater environmental impact than using efficient, well-designed packaging..
LDPE and HDPE versus “trendy” alternatives”
In recent years the market has been talking more and more often about:
- alternative materials
- bioplastics
- apparently “greener” solutions”
Some of these solutions make sense in very specific contexts.
However, in industrial practice it often happens that:
- there are no adequate collection chains
- end up in the undifferentiated waste
- have underestimated environmental and industrial costs
A packaging in Recycled and recyclable LDPE or HDPE, inserted in a supply chain that really works, represents today one of the most responsible and concrete choices for many industrial, food and logistics uses.
The Teamplast point of view
At Teamplast we work with LDPE and HDPE every day because:
- we know their technical characteristics thoroughly
- we know how to optimize them in terms of thickness, structure and performance
- we believe in a sustainability made of practical solutions, not slogans
Our goal is not to “use more plastic”, but:
- use the right plastic
- in the right way
- for the right time
- and recycle it correctly
The right plastic really makes the difference
LDPE and HDPE they are not enemies of the environment.
If designed properly, collected properly and recycled, they are fundamental allies of a modern, efficient and circular packaging system.
The future of packaging is not “plastic-free”,
but with the right plastic, better designed.
If you want to learn more about how to improve your PE packaging, reduce waste or move towards more recyclable and high-performance solutions, Teamplast is available for to confront you, with technical expertise and a concrete vision of sustainability.
