Film sustainability describes the ecological assessment of plastic films across their entire life cycle. Sustainability of films covers raw material origin, manufacturing processes, service life, recyclability and disposal. In technical and industrial applications, film sustainability often sits in a field of tension between environmental requirements, functional properties and regulatory demands.
The sustainable selection of film materials is becoming increasingly important, especially in the electrical industry, mechanical engineering, packaging technology and the automotive industry.
Technical Fundamentals of Film Sustainability
Life Cycle Assessment of Films
The sustainability of films can only be evaluated through a life cycle assessment. This includes:
- Raw material extraction
- Polymer production
- Film extrusion or lamination
- Use phase
- Recycling or disposal
A short service life combined with a high use of material has a negative effect on the overall balance.
Influence of Raw Materials
Films are predominantly based on fossil raw materials. The raw material type directly influences sustainability:
- Petroleum-based polymers with high energy intensity
- Bio-based polymers with limited availability
- Recyclates with fluctuating quality
Bio-based films are not automatically more sustainable than conventional films.
Material-related Sustainability Aspects
Polyester Films
Polyester films offer high mechanical stability and a long service life. The good recyclability of PET improves the sustainability balance, provided single-grade recycling is possible.
Limitations arise from multilayer composites or coatings.
Polypropylene Films
Polypropylene films are considered comparatively resource-efficient. Polypropylene has a low density and can be recycled well.
The limited temperature resistance can, however, shorten the service life.
Polyethylene Films
Polyethylene films are widely used and readily recyclable. Their sustainability depends strongly on wall thickness, area of application and recycling infrastructure.
For technical applications, polyethylene films are only suitable to a limited extent.
High-performance Films
Polyimide or fluoropolymer films have a very long service life but are energy-intensive to manufacture and only recyclable to a limited extent.
Here, sustainability results primarily from the long period of use.
Recyclability and Circular Economy
Single-grade Purity as the Key
The recyclability of films depends largely on single-grade purity. Mono-material films can be recycled far better than composite films.
Laminations, adhesives and coatings significantly impair recyclability.
Mechanical and Chemical Recycling
Mechanical recycling is the established standard for many film materials. Chemical recycling is being scaled up industrially and is energy-intensive.
Not every film is suitable for both processes.
Sustainability in Technical Applications
Function before Material Savings
In electrical insulation technology, functionality comes first. Premature ageing or failure has a negative effect on sustainability, even if the material is theoretically more environmentally friendly.
Longevity is a key sustainability factor.
Regulatory Requirements
The sustainability of films is increasingly influenced by regulatory requirements. Examples include:
- Restrictions on additives
- Recycling quotas
- Documentation obligations
- Customer-specific environmental standards
These requirements vary greatly depending on the industry.
Distinction from Biodegradable Films
Biodegradable films are not automatically sustainable. Many of these materials do not meet technical requirements or need special disposal conditions.
In industrial applications, biodegradable films can currently only be used to a limited extent.
Limits of Film Sustainability
The sustainability of films is always a compromise. Typical trade-offs are:
- Recyclability versus technical performance
- Material savings versus service life
- Mono-material versus extended functionality
A blanket assessment of individual film types is not possible.
GOBA Takeaway
Film sustainability is a complex interplay of material selection, service life, recyclability and application context. Technical films can be sustainable despite higher energy input if they offer a long service life and high functional reliability.
For industrial applications, an application-specific assessment is decisive. Sustainability does not result from the material alone but from the right combination of function, service life and circularity, for example through a defined recyclate content.