Description

 low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and Yes, this will be on the quiz…

HDPE in a previous article, so you can bone up on that polymer if you need to. And Ill cover LDPE here.

polymers are similar because both are named polyethylene. In fact, LDPE was the first polyethylene to be produced, so its sorta like HDPEs senior cousin, (which always causes problems at the Polymer family get-togethers).

LDPE also has more molecules that branch out, as opposed to staying in perfect rows. (That part will not be on the quiz…).

LDPE is resistant to impact (doesnt break easily), moisture (water proof), and chemicals (can stand up to many hazardous materials).

Plus there are many industrial and agriculture uses, particularly as plastic film and packaging to protect all sorts of products.

really lightweight plastic film, one of the major uses of LDPE. Thankfully, plastic packaging is becoming increasingly recognized for its contributions to sustainability. The very nature of plastics lightweight yet strong makes them ideal for all sorts of packaging and helps minimize the environmental impact of the packaging.

***4 study that looked at six common packaging categories (including film/wraps) found that replacing existing plastic packaging in the U.S. with non-plastic alternatives could:

• require 4.5 times more packaging material by weight,
• result in **0 percent more global warming potential.

Back to recycling… Many items made with LDPE are collected for recycling in communities across the nation. But flexible LDPE bags and wraps are different. Clean and dry bags and wraps made with LDPE (and HDPE) are collected at more than And recycling rates for bags and wraps are growing. So… what happens to all that LDPE collected for recycling? When recycled, LDPE is given a 

• Garbage can liners
• Paneling
• Compost bins
• Landscape timber
• Outdoor lumber