LDPE and LLDPE foils

The data selected for LCA analysis originate from ITB-LCI questionnaires completed by WARTER POLYMERS Sp. z o. o. using the inventory data, ITB database, Ecoinvent database v. 3.10 and KOBiZE. KOBiZE data is supplemented with Ecoinvent v. 3.10 data on the national electricity mix impact where no specific indicator data is provided. No specific data collected is older than five years and no generic datasets used are older than ten years. The representativeness, completeness, reliability, and consistency are judged as good. The allocation rules used for this EPD are based on general ITB-PCR A v. 1.6. Production of LDPE and LLDPE foils is a line process (Fig. 3) conducted in the factory of WARTER POLYMERS Sp. z o. o., located in Plock (Poland). Allocation was done on product mass basis. All impacts from raw materials extraction and processing are allocated in module A1 of the LCA. Impacts from the on-site line production WARTER POLYMERS Sp. z o. o. were inventoried and 54 % were allocated to the production of LDPE AND LLDPE foils based on the annual production volume expressed in kg. Water and energy consumption, associated emissions and generated wastes are allocated to module A3. Packaging materials were taken into consideration. The obtained results are representative average for all LDPE AND LLDPE foils produced in different thicknesses at the Plock procuction plant. The life cycle analysis (LCA) of the declared products covers: product stage – modules A1-A3, end of life – modules C1-C4 and benefits and loads beyond the system boundary – module D (cradle-to-gate with options) in accordance with EN 15804+A2 and ITB PCR A, v. 1.6. All materials and energy consumption inventoried in factory were included in calculation. Office impacts were also taken into consideration. In the assessment, all significant parameters from gathered production data were inventoried and were included in the calculations, i.e. all material used per formulation, utilised thermal energy, internal fuel and electric power consumption, direct production waste, water consumption and all available emission measurements. It can be assumed that the total sum of omitted processes does not exceed 5% of all impact categories. In accordance with EN 15804+A2, machines and facilities (capital goods) required for the production as well as transportation of employees were not included in LCA.

LDPE and LLDPE foils are intended for various applications resulting from the physical and mechanical properties of the product. LDPE foil is one of the most popular polymer materials with a wide range of applications in industry. It is made of low density polyethylene (LDPE = Low Density Polyethylene, LLDPE = Linear Low Density Polyethylene). LDPE low-density polyethylene foils produced by WARTER POLYMERS Sp. z o. o. are used in construction, agriculture and gardening. In construction, intended for horizontal moisture insulation of walls, foundations and building walls. In agriculture, for covering tunnel structures - widely used to cover crops in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. The use of agriculture foils accelerates plant growth and significantly increases crop productivity, while providing protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation and other weather factors. These foils are also used to cover formed piles of plants intended for silage for animal feeding. WARTER POLYMERS Sp. z o. o. foils are also used in the construction of swimming pools. Scope of application: - insulation of waterproofing elements of buildings in contact with the ground, - roof insulation, - damp proofing in buildings, - vapour control layer, - silage foil, - packaging foil, - sealing in small water reservoirs (garden pools, ponds), - fluid barrier in the construction of tunnels and underground structures, - fluid and/or gas barrier in the construction of liquid waste disposal sites, transfer stations and secondary containment, - fluid and/or gas barrier in the construction of solid waste storage and disposal sites, - fluid barrier in the construction of reservoirs and dams, - fluid barrier in the construction of canals, - fluid barrier in transportation infrastructure and others. More information about LDPE and LLDPE foils can be found on WARTER POLYMERS Sp. z o.o. website www.warterpolymers.pl