LDPE is a polyethylene of limited density. It is the most frequently used material in the production of foils, in particular for packaging purposes. All simple types of disposable bags, refuse bags and shopping bags are made solely from LDPE. The reasons for this include low cost and ease of processing.
Foils are manufactured by extrusion, either as 2D foils or hoses (tubular extrusion). Such foils can be very thin (bags for baked goods) or have thick-walls (large bags). The exact thickness of the packaging may be adapted to meet the given requirements - from 30 micrometers (0.030 mm) up to 200 micrometers.
Should the need exist for the eventual packaging to be resistant to perforation, PE foils can be laminated with another type of foil, improving the properties of the final package. For example, lamination with PET foil (polyethylene-terephthalate) occurs in the production of foodstuff bags for pets. Lamination with paper-based boarding is applied to produce fruit juice packaging (of Tetrapack type).
The benefit of LDPE is that it can be printed onto to a high standard. Shopping bags and large bags can be decorated with multi-coloured printing. This material can also be welded to achieve various shapes of pouches and bags. Recycled PE is applicable in the production of pouches and bags, contributing to protection of the environment.
HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is under ordinary circumstances a material of milky colour that differs from other polyethylene types by higher strength and ductility. Since the material is more consistent, the foils and packages produced from it are stronger. Therefore, an HDPE bag has a higher load capacity than a LDPE bag of identical thickness. This is beneficial in the production of very thin bags; HDPE bags can be made from thicknesses of 7 micrometers and more.
In addition to flexible packages, HDPE is also a very suitable material for making strong packaging. The best-known applications are cosmetics bottles (cleaining agents, shampoos), and containers.
HDPE is used also in technical applications, e.g. as septic tanks, in the production of pipes, and the sheathing of cables and harnesses. Septic tanks can posses highly complicated shapes and large capacities. The advantage of HDPE in these applications is its natural strength and consistency.
Applications
Foil HD-PE 915 EKOTEN
Foil LD-PE 1116
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – Reinstating walls – Insulation of buildings (insulation of storage faciliteis and water tanks, reinforcement of slopes, anti-radon barrier)
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – Reinstating walls
OTHER APPLICATIONS – Car mats, gaskets – Protective interlayers used to pack technical products – Separation layers in the packing of ignition systems – Coverings and protective membranes in agriculture and forestry – Cut-outs and stiffeners for haberdashery and fastenings
