Commercial Polymer Identification Card-6

This week's commercial polymer, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), has a more branched chain structure compared to other PE structures and has relatively lower stiffness and flexibility. It is possible to produce plastic materials resistant to chemicals and corrosion with LDPE. Since it is a low cost, easily processed and economical material, synthetic LDPE based on petroleum raw materials is one of the most produced plastics. In addition, non-biodegradable synthetic LPDE accumulates in nature as waste. Recycling of LDPE is not considered economically advantageous because it enables the production of low-quality and low-cost plastic products although LDPE wastes are considered recyclable in practice. The most important technical problem in LDPE recycling is that LDPE blocks the machinery and prevents the recycling process. For this reason, LDPE wastes are recycled at much lower rates compared to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste. In order for LDPE to be truly sustainable, it is preferred that it be produced with renewable raw materials and that it is biodegradable in nature. In the plastics market, there are commercialized products for sustainable LDPE, even limited.