Towards a sustainable future for multi-layer structures
Multilayer structures, based on polyolefins such as LDPE, PP, HDPE and engineering plastics such as EVOH and PA, play a crucial role in flexible, semi-rigid and rigid plastic constructions. Whether in the food packaging industry, agriculture or automotive production – they are indispensable components for ensuring protection, durability and functionality. Despite their broad applicability and advantages, multilayer structures face a challenge: the incompatibility of the polymers used leads to suboptimal mechanical properties, which makes efficient separation into monofractions difficult and thus impairs recyclability.
Until now, materials based on these multilayer structures have often been landfilled, incinerated or shipped to low-cost countries. However, with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the ban on landfill, the need for a well-organised recycling process is becoming ever more urgent. This is where Lucofin® 1494H and Lucofin® 1400HN come in. These compatibilisers based on maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) significantly improve the mechanical properties. By adding just a few percent to a polyolefin/engineering plastic blend, the structural integrity is strengthened and the material becomes optimal for a wide range of extrusion and moulding applications. Lucofin® 1494H and Lucofin® 1400HN not only open up new ways of recycling multilayer structures, but also contribute to creating a more sustainable future in the plastics industry.