When it comes to plastic, many different types are used for different purposes. One type of plastic that you may have heard of is LDPE 4, also known as number 4 plastic.
Quick Navigation
- What is LDPE Material?
- Number 4 Recycling Symbol
- Recycling LDPE
- Examples of LDPE Products
- LDPE – Stretch Film – Shrink Wrap – Liners
What is LDPE Material?
LDPE is a type of plastic that is commonly used in packaging and other consumer products. It is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. Low-density polyethylene is a highly flexible and durable material that is resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it an excellent choice for packaging and other products that require a strong and waterproof material.
LDPE is used in a wide range of products, including plastic bags, shrink wrap, squeeze bottles, food storage containers, and many others. It is often chosen over other types of plastic due to its low cost and versatility.
Number 4 Recycling Symbol
The recycling symbol for LDPE is a triangle made up of three arrows that form a loop. Inside the triangle, there is a number 4, which indicates that the plastic is made of LDPE material. This symbol is used to help identify which plastics can be recycled and how they should be processed.
Recycling LDPE
LDPE plastic is recyclable, but it can be a bit trickier to recycle than other types of plastic. This is because LDPE has a low melting point, which means it can easily melt during the recycling process. However, with the right equipment and techniques, LDPE can be recycled.
To recycle LDPE plastic, you should first check with your local recycling program to see if they accept this type of plastic. If they do, you can prepare the plastic for recycling by cleaning it and removing any non-plastic components such as labels or caps. You should also separate LDPE from other types of plastic to prevent contamination.
Once you have prepared your LDPE scrap for recycling, it can be processed in several different ways. One common method is to melt the plastic down and use it to make new products. Another method is to turn the plastic into pellets, which can be used to create new plastic products.
Examples of LDPE Products
LDPE is used in a wide range of products, including:
- Plastic bags
- Shrink wrap
- Squeeze bottles
- Food storage containers
- Coating for paper milk cartons
- Trash can liners
- Bubble wrap
- Six-pack rings
- Disposable cups and plates
- Agricultural films for farming and gardening
As you can see, LDPE is used in many different products that we use in our daily lives. By recycling LDPE, we can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.
LDPE – Stretch Film – Shrink Wrap – Liners
LDPE & LLDPE Film is a flexible packaging film used in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. LDPE Film Recycling has become common and efficient – with many end users right here in the United States. LDPE & LLDPE Film can easily be recycled and turned into many products, such as Trash Liners, Agricultural Film, Stretch Film, Shrink Wrap, Plastic Decking, Marine Pilings, and Reprocessed Pellets.
To recycle LDPE Film, a company first needs to collect and bale it. The film must be kept clean, dry, and free from contaminants. Then when there are enough bales to fill a 53′ Semi-Trailer – we send in a truck and ship the LDPE Film to a reprocessing facility. The film is finally shredded, washed, dried, and converted into a pellet.
The contaminates are:
– Moisture
– Plastic Pellets (Gaylord Liners)
– Laundry Film (Blue/Clear Film)
– Baler residue, grease or grime
– Metal, Styrofoam, Fiber, Wood, Rubber, Liquid & Other Residual, etc.
To learn more about Recycling LDPE Film – Click HERE and read our blog.
In conclusion, LDPE is a type of plastic that is used in a wide range of products due to its low cost and versatility. It is recyclable, but it requires special handling due to its low melting point. By recycling LDPE plastic, we can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.
