The development prospect of PE stretch film is bright

[China Packaging Network News] PE stretch film has evolved from a single-layer structure to multi-layer designs, with the current mainstream being cast PE stretch film. This material is widely used in packaging for products such as wine, canned goods, mineral water, and various beverages, as well as for textiles. It offers excellent flexibility, impact resistance, tear strength, and is highly resistant to damage, moisture, and has a high shrinkage rate.

PE stretch film is a transparent thermoplastic polymer. It is primarily made from three types of polyethylene: LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). Although these materials are derived from the same monomer, their production processes differ significantly, leading to distinct physical and mechanical properties. Each type of PE is suited for different applications based on its unique characteristics.

Initially, PE stretch film was produced using the blown film method. However, the cast film process has gained popularity due to its advantages, including uniform thickness, high transparency, and suitability for high-stretch applications. Single-layer cast films have limitations, especially in terms of application versatility. While single- and double-layer cast films offer some benefits, they lack the flexibility and formula optimization that three-layer co-extrusion structures provide. Therefore, a three-layer co-extrusion design is often considered the ideal choice for optimal performance and cost efficiency.

PE stretch film is known for its toughness and durability, making it difficult to process with regular plastic shredders. The soft and flexible nature of the film makes it resistant to tearing, even at high speeds. When exposed to high temperatures, LDPE can melt on the blade during processing. Instead of traditional shredding, PE film can be directly fed into an extruder, where the screw's shear force helps melt and extrude the material into granules. This allows for efficient recycling and reuse, as the recovered PE can still be used for producing new films or other non-food and pharmaceutical packaging materials. Additionally, it is commonly used in the manufacturing of Oxford leather and tarpaulins, showing great potential for future development.