Production technologies

Types of raw materials

PE (Polyethylene) is one of the most widely used types of plastic, made from ethylene monomers linked into long polymer chains. There are several types of PE, such as LDPE, HDPE, and LLDPE, whose properties vary depending on molecular structure and density, but all of these types are recyclable. It is a synthetic polymer widely valued for its low cost, lightness, flexibility, resistance to moisture and certain chemicals, and good impact absorption properties. It can also be produced in various shapes and thicknesses, making it highly versatile.

There are various types of polyethylene with different properties. Some of the most common are:

LDPE (low-density polyethylene) – a soft, flexible, and elastic thermoplastic polymer characterized by good resistance to moisture and certain chemicals. Due to these properties, LDPE is often used to manufacture films, bags, bottles, and other products. It is easy to process and heat.

Monolyt laminated film, used to protect printed materials from external influences, is also made from LDPE, ensuring reliable protection against moisture and mechanical damage.

LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer characterized by excellent resistance to cracking and mechanical damage. LLDPE has better mechanical properties than traditional LDPE, making it stronger and more resistant to stretching. Due to its flexibility and strength, it is often used in the production of bags, films, various packaging, and pipes. LLDPE is also easy to process; it can be molded and heat-treated, making it widely used in various industries.

MDPE (medium-density polyethylene) is commonly found in various products, such as plastic bags, films, pipes, and containers.

Films made from this type of plastic include:

-Barrier films: These protect food products from moisture, oxygen, and other environmental factors that could negatively affect the product’s appearance.

-Laminated films: This type of film is characterized by greater strength and durability.

-Agricultural films: MDPE can be used in the production of greenhouse films and mulch films.

HDPE – High-density polyethylene. This is a strong, durable, lightweight, and chemically resistant (though not to all chemicals) type of plastic used to manufacture plastic bottles, pipes, and containers.

Advantages:

-Durability: It is a highly resistant material, so products made from it last for many years.

-Recyclability: HDPE is 100% recyclable, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than some other types of plastic.

-Application in film production: Construction films. HDPE can be used to produce strong, waterproof films used in construction as vapor barriers or for laying under foundations.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. This thermoplastic polymer is produced from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. PET is characterized by excellent transparency, strength, lightness, and resistance to moisture, gases, and certain chemicals. In addition, it is easily recyclable, so it is often used in the production of bottles, various films, and other packaging, including food packaging.

OPP (Oriented Polypropylene) is a thin polypropylene film that is specially treated to improve its strength and reduce its elasticity. This process also improves the film’s properties, such as transparency, gloss, and resistance to various mechanical damages.

OPP film is widely used:

• In the production of packaging materials: for food products, beverages, hygiene products, and other goods.
• In label production: OPP film can be printed on and used as adhesive labels.
• In office supplies: transparent OPP film sleeves for documents, etc.
• Lamination: OPP film can be used to laminate the surfaces of paper and other materials to make them more resistant to water and tearing.

PA – (polyamide) is a synthetic polymer, also known as nylon. There are various types of PA, whose properties differ depending on the type of monomers and molecular weight. In general, PA is characterized by high strength and toughness, good resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and heat, good flexibility, and good electrical insulation properties.

PA is widely used in the packaging of certain food products, in the electrical engineering, textile, and automotive industries, and in the manufacture of mechanical parts.

EVOH – (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) is a semi-crystalline copolymer characterized by excellent barrier properties. EVOH has exceptionally good resistance to gas and aroma permeation, making it widely used in food packaging to preserve product freshness and flavor.

Advantages of this material: excellent barrier properties, high transparency, good resistance to fats, suitable for surface printing. EVOH also has some drawbacks: it is hygroscopic and has low heat resistance.

PET+ Metalized – PET+ (polyethylene terephthalate) metalized films are plastic films coated with a thin layer of metal, most commonly aluminum. This coating solution enhances the properties of PET, making them valuable not only in the food industry but also in other sectors.

Films of this type have excellent barrier properties, protecting against moisture, oxygen, and light. The films are lightweight, making them convenient to transport and use. They are used for snack and beverage packaging and as an insulating material. PET is recyclable, and technological advances also help improve the recyclability of metallized films.

BOPP – Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene. This is a polypropylene film that has been stretched in both directions (longitudinal and transverse) to increase its strength, transparency, and gloss.

Due to these properties, BOPP film is widely used as a packaging material for food products and various other goods. It has good tear resistance and is easily recyclable.

Recycled raw materials (recycled PE and PP) – Recycled raw materials, such as recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are obtained by recycling used PE and PP plastics. These materials can be used to create new plastic products, reducing the need for virgin raw materials and the amount of waste.

The lamination process allows LDPE film to be bonded using heat and pressure, creating a strong bond between the two surfaces. This is particularly useful in the production of films, packaging, and other products where it is necessary to seal the material without additional adhesives, which reduces production costs and improves product quality.