PLA and Green PE extrusion
PLA and Green PE are usually used in extrusion where environmentally friendly or sustainable packaging is preferred. When choosing between PLA or Green PE extrusion, it is important to take into account the specific requirements of the application and considerations for compostability and recyclability.
PLA
PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic derived from renewable raw materials such as sugar cane or corn starch. It has similar physical properties to conventional plastics. It is flexible, transparent and suitable for packaging that comes into contact with food.
PLA is usually extruded using the same machines as conventional plastics. Under specific conditions, it is compostable, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious packaging solutions. It is used, for example, as a coating for compostable paper cups and plates. It is important to note, however, that PLA may have some limitations in terms of barrier properties and heat resistance compared to conventional plastics.
Green PE
Green PE (green polyethylene) is made from the renewable raw material sugar cane ethanol and has the same properties as conventional polyethylene. Like conventional PE, it is flexible, durable and resistant to moisture, but it is considered a more sustainable alternative due to its renewable raw materials.
The extrusion process for Green PE is similar to that of conventional plastics. This makes it easy to integrate into existing production processes. Green PE extrusion is often chosen by companies that want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and their ecological footprint.