// Our arguments "pro polyamide"
Polyamide
and sustainability
Avoidance:
Due to their unique combination of physical and chemical properties, polyamides offer ideal conditions for the production of very thin yet high-performance films. This helps to conserve resources without having to compromise on the functionality of the packaging.
The table below illustrates various barrier properties of OPA films in comparison to other biaxially stretched thermoplastic films with comparable film thicknesses.
Mechanical characteristics
The next figures show the comparison of important mechanical characteristics of OPA polyamide films of different thicknesses compared to oriented polyester (OPET) and polypropylene (OPP) films of comparable film thickness, showing both the differences between the polymers and the advantages of an OPA film are impressively illustrated.*
*(Data shown are averages of longitudinal (MD) and transverse (TD) measurements of the films)
(Re)use:
Edge trimmings, packaging waste, residual rolls and rejects from our production are moved in closed material cycles. They are either returned to the original production process to a defined extent using specially developed technologies, or, since mono-polyamide films are recyclable production waste, they are reprocessed for various technical applications using mechanical recycling processes (compaction or regranulation). It doesn't matter whether the internal residues are OPA or CPA films.
Recycling:
Even though various recycling and environmental associations are currently saying the opposite and it is the subject of controversial public debate: Polyamides are not the "bad guys" of thermoplastics, they are recyclable, even as multi-layer composites!!
Yes, they are only compatible with polyolefins to a limited extent and therefore theoretically cannot be recycled under the standard conditions that have been customary up to now for mechanical recycling as part of the sorted out polyolefin film fractions (yellow bag).
BUT
No, the proportion of polyamides in mixed plastic waste is not so high that there could be compatibility problems, it is <2% (1)
in the waste streamAND
No, multi-layer composites that contain polyamides are not recorded at all according to current sorting criteria (size of the films!), so that the majority of multi-layer waste films end up in the mixed fraction anyway, regardless of their composition. That is why we need recycling processes for mixed plastic waste outside of the well-known mechanical recycling processes. The chemical industry is working on its development, the first variants are already available on a pilot scale!
AND
Yes, polyamide can also be mechanically recycled in mixtures with polyolefins; all that is required is an adjusted processing temperature in the extruder and, in the case of packaging structures with higher polyamide contents, the proactive addition of a so-called compatibilizer. Both technologies are state of the art and necessary modifiers are commercially available.
The following can also be considered for recycling multi-layer composite structures or mixed plastic waste:
- physical separation by solvent processes (2,3)
- Recovery of low molecular weight hydrocarbons by pyrolysis (4-5)
- Obtaining synthesis gas by gasification (6)
Do we really want the advantages of polyamides, which are extremely important for conserving resources, since on the one hand the use of less plastic is possible and on the other hand the protection or extension of the shelf life of our urgently needed food is realized, sacrifice a policy that presents and promotes currently limited mechanical recycling technologies as the ultimate in recycling? That can't really be in everyone's interest!!
- (1) Wenigmann, S.; Chemical Recycling – The missing link to circular economy ? Vortrag ZLV Film Symposium, Kempten 09/2019
- (2) Fischer, S.; Polymere wiedergewinnen; Plastverarbeiter, 04 (2020) 12-16
- (3) www.creacycle.de/de/der-prozess.html
- (4) Huckestein B., Grutke, S., Wittstock, K.: BASF AG (2003) Verwertung von Kunststoffen. In: Makromolekulare Chemie, Birkhäuser, Basel, S. 491-514
- (5) W. Kaminsky, Recycling of polymeric materials by pyrolysis, Makromolekulare Chemie. Macromolecular Symposia, 48-49, 1, (381-393), (2011).
- (6) Geiger, T., Knopf, H.; Leistner, G.; Romer, R., Seifert, H.: Rohstoff-Recycling und Energie-Gewinnung von Kunststoffabfällen; Chemie-Ingenieur-Technik 65 (1993) 6, 703-709
Our sustainability activities
We are partners in a pilot project to launch a plastic composite made from 100% recycled components for flexible packaging of mozzarella cheese. As part of this project, we produce and deliver an OPA polyamide film made from chemically recycled PA 6 (Ultramid Ccycled Pre3). After the pilot phase in 2019, the regular, commercial use of the lamination network has now started.
We are working on a new generation of technical films for e.g. the construction industry based on bio-based and/or 100% recycled polyamide. On the one hand, this is a new kind of copolyamide, which contains so-called “building blocks” based on renewable raw materials. This material offers a modified profile of properties compared to PA 6, which, in addition to the integration of renewable basic components, also enables a further reduction in the layer thickness of the final film.
The table below illustrates selected properties of a conventional CPA (PA 6) film in direct comparison to a thinner film made from the alternative copolyamide.
On the other hand, raw materials based on 100% recycled polyamide are now available, which were produced using chemical recycling processes and have the same level of properties as virgin polyamide and are also food-approved.
Are you interested in further information? Please contact us directly.
In addition to the consistently high quality of our film products, the internally closed material cycle with minimal processing waste and the testing and use of a wide variety of recycling options for our end products, we also keep an eye on the direct impact of the technical plastics we process on the environment!
Are you concerned about our environment and the climate?
Are you looking for information on Carbon Foot Print (CFP) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for the raw materials we process?