GreenLine

When will GreenLine be certified as flame retardant?

We are currently performing production scale trials.

Is GreenLine approved for food contact?

No. Although we’re currently investigating it.

Is there a difference in performance compared to virgin material?

No.

Is there a colour difference compared to virgin material?

There is a slight difference in colour, but it’s difficult to notice without placing virgin material next to GreenLine.

Are there differences in properties and quality compared to virgin material?

Our target is that GreenLine should have the same properties as virgin material. However there are significant differences in converting properties, and in some cases we have to accept a higher density in order to achieve the targeted properties.

What is the difference in CO2 impact compared to virgin material? 

The CO2 emission from producing GreenLine are 1.6 kg of CO2 per kg of EPS. For virgin material, it is (according to Plastic Europe raw material figures) LCA 3.1 kg, which equals a saving of approx. 50%. Maximum 3.4kg of CO2 savings could also be claimed because recycled material is not incinerated.

How many times can GreenLine be recycled? 

This is not yet clear. If chemical recycling is included the answer would be indefinite. With mechanical recycling the material can be recycled two to three times. 

What is the origin of the waste used to produce GreenLine? 

There are several different sources depending on the end product, from clean packaging waste to recycled fish boxes. 

How do you calculate the CO2 emission reduction of GreenLine? 

3.1 kg CO2 (virgin material) minus 1.6 kg CO2 (GreenLine) equals savings of 1.5 kg CO2 per kg EPS* (Calculation made from LCA figures in report from Denmark).

In a CO2 savings calculation, what factors have been taken into account? Which are excluded?

Savings are calculated based on the raw material as converting is assumed to be the same. Recycling emissions, 0,5 kg are not taken into account. End of life emissions are not applicable because it is the same for virgin and recycled material. 

How are savings in oil and resources calculated? 

This depends on the converting site. So far we cannot show general savings in gas and utility consumption at the downstream sites. 

*CO2 should be calculated for specific production sites and products for exact figures

What is the price level compared to virgin material?

At the moment the price of GreenLine is a bit higher compared to the price of virgin material. Going forward plastic taxes may be introduced, which could mean significant price differences to the benefit of GreenLine.

What is the difference in price compared to competitors’ recycled material?

There isn’t material comparable to GreenLine available from anyone else. There is mass balanced material on the market, but the volumes are small and the price significantly higher.

Why is GreenLine more expensive when it’s made from recycled material?

The higher price is due to the collection of waste, raw material prices, processing and utility costs. As there is competition for the waste streams, we expect prices of recycled material to increase.

Are there any other advantages or disadvantages of GreenLine?

Converting is more difficult and the stability of GreenLine can be less than of virgin material. The big advantage is for the future of our planet.

What does transport of EPS waste to recycling mean?

After EPS waste is collected it needs to be shredded and compacted. That can be done either at the collection point or afterwards in the collection centre. From there, compacted blocks are transported to the recycling site for extrusion to GPPS pellets. The GPPS is then extruded to new EPS raw material.