LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene)

Also called: Linear low-density polyethylene

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is a tough, stretchable polyethylene used in film, stretch wrap and rotomoulding, recycled mainly from film scrap.

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is a polyethylene made by copolymerising ethylene with a small amount of a longer olefin such as butene, hexene or octene. This creates short, regular branches, giving a density of about 0.915-0.94 g/cm3 with better tensile strength, puncture resistance and stretch than LDPE. In recycling it is usually grouped under resin code 4 with LDPE.

Recycled forms traded

• Stretch film and pallet wrap scrap, often from warehouses and logistics.
• Mixed LD/LLD film agglomerate and granules.
• Rotomoulding powder rejects and moulded tank scrap.

Why it matters when buying recycled plastic

• LLDPE content changes how film behaves: more LLDPE generally means tougher film but different bubble stability in film blowing.
• Stretch film often carries tackifier, which can affect processing and printing.
• Confirm MFI and look for gels and black specks on a sample film.

Common uses

Stretch and cling film, heavy-duty sacks, liners, agricultural film, rotomoulded water tanks and blending with LDPE for film.

Ask suppliers to state the approximate LDPE and LLDPE share in mixed film lots, and request a trial quantity before a regular order.