The Truth About LDPE (Resin 4): Misleading Recycling Claims by Major Companies
We develop and formulate products to save the planet, reduce waste, and minimize landfill impact (Resin2film).
Claiming that LDPE (Resin 4) is recyclable is like drinking alcohol and calling it hydration — misleading and harmful. It contributes to landfill waste and diverts attention from real environmental solutions.
As consumers become more eco-conscious, the demand for recyclable materials has grown. However, despite claims by some major companies, LDPE (Resin 4) and other resins like 3, 5, 6, and 7 are not as recyclable as they are often portrayed. While LDPE can theoretically be recycled, significant practical challenges remain largely unaddressed by the industry.
The stark reality is that 94% of all pouches, bags, and bag-in-box liners made from LDPE and other Resins 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 end up in landfills. This is because many recycling centers do not accept LDPE due to the specialized machinery required for its processing. The few facilities that do accept LDPE often contribute to a larger carbon footprint due to the long distances these materials must be transported.
Hawaii, a state known for its environmental leadership, has banned all plastic bags except those made of PET (Resin 1) and HDPE (Resin 2). It is anticipated that other states may soon adopt similar legislation to combat the environmental impact of non-recyclable plastics.
The narrative that LDPE is easily recyclable is misleading, allowing major companies to falsely position themselves as environmentally friendly. This misinformation leads to more waste ending up in landfills and undermines genuine environmental efforts.
Consumers are urged to be informed and make responsible choices. HDPE (Resin 2), unlike LDPE, is truly recyclable and offers a sustainable option for reducing environmental impact. Choosing Our Resin2film can make a significant difference in achieving sustainability goals.
You’ve been misled.
Most plastic isn’t truly recyclable. Even “recyclable” plastics are often only recyclable in theory, with much of it ending up in landfills—even after being sent to recycling centers. In some cases, the environmental impact is worse than if the materials had gone straight to the landfill.
That’s why we developed Resin2Film — the first resin film made from HDPE Recycle #2 instead of the commonly used, non-recyclable LDPE Recycle #4 or hybrid materials (Resins 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
Now, there’s finally a genuinely recyclable resin that can be used for any application to protect your goods.
Our company has developed an innovative HDPE film that is the first to offer a high barrier with an OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate )(cm³/m², 24hrs) of less than 0.23 for liquids. This film incorporates resin2, a recyclable HDPE, representing a significant breakthrough achieved after 5 years of R&D. It is the first of its kind on the market. In contrast, current wine box (bag-in-box) films are made from non-recyclable mixed materials and have a high OTR of less than 5. By comparison, our film extends the wine’s shelf life by 44% due to its superior OTR performance.
Sustainability is in high demand, which is why many companies are trying to go green by switching from glass to cardboard (wine boxes). However, the current inner bags are not recyclable, and brands misleadingly claim sustainability based on the outer box alone.
It’s akin to wrapping a hot dog in green lettuce and calling it vegan.
That’s why we are the first and only film company to formulate a high-barrier, 100% recyclable HDPE film.
Comparative Analysis: HDPE vs. LDPE
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) vs. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) exhibits a denser molecular structure, which imparts several advantageous properties, including:
Durability: HDPE demonstrates superior resistance to stress, chemicals, and environmental factors, enhancing its longevity and performance.
Rigidity: Despite maintaining a degree of flexibility, HDPE provides increased structural integrity, making it suitable for applications requiring robust materials.
Recyclability: The dense nature of HDPE facilitates more efficient processing in recycling facilities, leading to higher recycling rates and a reduced environmental footprint.
Conversely, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is characterized by:
Flexibility: LDPE is distinguished by its remarkable flexibility and softness, which makes it ideal for applications where pliability is essential.
Lower Melting Point: This trait simplifies processing into various products but presents challenges in the recycling process.
Recyclability: LDPE poses recycling difficulties due to its lower density and propensity to contaminate recycling streams, complicating its integration into recycling systems.
The Case for HDPE - Emphasizing Recyclability
The exceptional recyclability of HDPE positions it as a more sustainable choice compared to LDPE across numerous applications. Key advantages include:
Higher Recycling Rates: HDPE is more readily accepted by recycling facilities, resulting in a higher percentage of material being processed and reused.
Energy Efficiency: The recycling process for HDPE requires less energy compared to LDPE, contributing to a lower overall environmental impact.
Reduced Landfill Waste: Enhanced recycling rates for HDPE facilitate the diversion of waste from landfills, conserving space and mitigating methane emissions.
Closed-Loop Recycling: HDPE can often be recycled into new HDPE products, fostering a closed-loop system that minimizes the consumption of new resources.
Economic Benefits: The increased recycling rates for HDPE can translate into cost savings for both manufacturers and consumers, further incentivizing its use.
In summary, HDPE's superior recyclability, durability, and energy efficiency underscore its preference over LDPE in various applications, aligning with both environmental and economic considerations.
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