LDPE and LLDPE film (stretch, shrink and bags)
Post-industrial polyethylene film is a large recycling stream. Clear, unprinted, dry film in bales is worth the most.
What it is
Stretch wrap, shrink film, bags and liners from manufacturing and distribution, plus off-spec film and edge trim from film producers.
Typical sources
- Distribution centres and warehouses
- Plants unwrapping incoming pallets
- Film extruders and converters
- Bag makers
What buyers need to quote
- Clear or coloured, and the share of each
- Printed or unprinted
- Contamination: paper labels, tape, strapping or other films
- Baled or loose, and typical bale weight
- Moisture and dirt
- Tonnes per month
Photo tips
- A bale or bag opened to show the inside
- Close-ups of labels or tape
- Where it is stored (indoors or outdoors)
What raises its value
- Clear, unprinted film kept separate
- Labels and tape removed
- Baled and stored indoors
- Consistent bale weights
Common reasons for rejection or downgrade
- Paper labels and tape
- Strapping, cardboard and pallet debris
- Wet or dirty bales
- Other film types mixed in, such as PVC or multilayer film
Specifications vary by buyer. The final grade is agreed between you and the buyer against the buyer's specification or recognised industry specifications such as ReMA (formerly ISRI).