Resource management firm Geminor has been involved in the production of a new type of stretch film that is made from 100% recycled plastic feedstock.
Most of the feedstock is produced from agricultural waste plastics.
Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of stretch film is used each year for the baling of animal feed on European farms. This typically uses LLDPE film.
Geminor account and development manager Bjorn Haaland said: “We have for a long time handled plastic waste from agriculture and have always wanted a climate-friendly solution for the disposal of plastic volumes. Together with several partners, we have now found a process that ensures complete and efficient reuse of the stretch film.
“We have tested the new and recycled plastic film with regard to UV resistance, tensile strength, puncture resilience and handling. We have also tested it in a production climate from -20 degrees celsius to +30 degrees celsius, and together with our partners, we have managed to develop the strongest product possible. In terms of quality, our recycled bale plastic does not lag behind virgin.
“It makes no sense to use plastic made from virgin raw materials when you have fully recycled and strong alternatives available – and the pricing is reasonable. We are now producing recycled stretch film for both the waste industry and for agriculture, which is a circular economy in practice.”
