DL Chemical exports packaging bags containing 55% recycled plastic materials

Development of Packaging Bags Using Over 55% Recycled Materials

Image of the D.FINE product made by DL Chemical. D.FINE is a next-generation metallocene polyethylene product developed as the world's second through three years of independent research by the company. (Photo by DL Chemical)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] DL Chemical announced on the 11th that it will use packaging bags for export products made with more than 55% recycled materials. The packaging bags will be used starting from the 22nd. Based on excellent technology, the company plans to strengthen its position as a leading ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) company.

The recycled packaging bags are made by converting waste plastic into recycled raw materials and mixing them with new raw materials. Generally, the proportion of new raw materials is 70%, but DL Chemical increased the recycled material usage rate to 55.6%, which is said to be the highest level in the world. The secret lies in applying DL Chemical's proprietary technology and the next-generation metallocene polyethylene product, D.FINE. Compared to existing metallocene polyethylene products, D.FINE improves toughness and stiffness, enabling the production of packaging bags that are stronger yet 25% thinner. If expanded to the entire domestic industrial packaging bag market, it is expected to reduce plastic usage by more than 5,000 tons annually. Based on processability and heat sealing properties, it can also reduce the energy required for packaging bag manufacturing, making it the most practical eco-friendly alternative.

The European market, which has the strictest environmental standards in the world, is already enforcing mandatory use of recycled materials. The UK implemented a plastic packaging tax system starting last month on the 1st. If the recycled material usage rate in plastic packaging products is below 30%, manufacturers or importers are taxed 200 pounds per ton. The European Union (EU) Commission is considering setting mandatory recycled material content in packaging. DL Chemical plans to use 685 multi-layer recycled packaging roll bags (about 185 tons) for regular exports to Europe starting this month and intends to significantly expand application to the global market in the future, proactively responding to eco-friendly policies.

Kim Jonghyun, Vice Chairman of DL Chemical, said, "We have once again proven that we are a global ESG leading company by raising the recycled material usage rate to the highest level in the world," adding, "DL Chemical will continue to lead in developing and producing various eco-friendly products and establishing a resource circulation ecosystem."

In December last year, DL Chemical received the '2022 WorldStar Packaging Award' from the World Packaging Organization (WPO) in recognition of D.FINE's excellent eco-friendliness, including raw material reduction effects and resource recycling rates. In May last year, it was awarded the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award at the Korea Packaging Exhibition (KOREA STAR AWARDS 2021) for its contribution to the development of D.FINE.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.