Sustainable films

Why is the development of sustainable films important?

Sustainability is an essential topic of our current time, in which plastic waste is a major problem. The reduction of CO2 and the search for environmentally friendly materials occupy most manufacturers and consumers.

Manufacturers of technical films are also increasingly addressing the issue of sustainability.The König Film Centre is striving to build up a product range of sustainable films. It is our aim to offer our customers interesting alternatives and solutions with a low CO2 footprint and an improved ecological balance. In this way, we make our contribution to relieving the burden on the environment.

But can sustainable films made from renewable raw materials keep up with conventional technical films? Can such bio-films be used for similar applications?

With our ecological films, we are able to offer you and your company a resource-saving, environmentally friendly alternative. The use of our sustainable films offers many advantages for your company:

• Reduce your CO² footprint
• Improvement of your eco-balance
• Use of renewable materials
• Protect the environment

Do your part to reduce plastic waste and lower global CO2 emissions. Use sustainable materials, we will be happy to advise you.

What are so-called bio films?

Bio-film is not a standardised term. The term has established itself as a generic term for films that have environmentally friendly properties or are made from renewable raw materials. Environmentally friendly properties include, for example, compostability or the recyclability of the end product. Users attach importance to the residue- and pollutant-free degradability of the end products after use.

Our product range of sustainable films

The first sustainable, environmentally friendly product in our range is Makrofol EC from the German manufacturer Covestro.

Makrofol® EC 060041 is a partially bio-based, highly transparent polycarbonate film made from plant biomass. Makrofol® EC is a partly bio-based polycarbonate film made from plant-based raw material. The origin of the raw material is starch, derived from widely available plant feedstock. Compared to fossil-based products, the carbon footprint of Makrofol® EC is significantly reduced. The film offers good optical and mechanical properties, chemical resistance, scratch resistance and UV weathering resistance. Makrofol® EC 060041 can be used for various applications in market segments such as automotive, electrical/electronics, graphics and packaging.

Why are sustainable films more ecological than other films?

Covestro's novel polycarbonate film Makrofol EC is partly bio-based and thus a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. As less fossil raw materials are used to produce the film, the CO2 footprint can be reduced by about 20 %.

Properties of our sustainable films

Makrofol EC is absolutely comparable with classic polycarbonate films in terms of their optical properties and transparency. The biofilm can also absolutely keep up in terms of formability and impact resistance.

Do packaging made from biodegradable plastics offer advantages?

The sustainable, bio-based film impresses with its high weatherability and higher chemical resistance. In these areas it clearly outperforms conventional polycarbonate films, making it an ideal solution for packaging and many other applications.

What are the disadvantages of Makrofol EC

The mechanical properties of Makrofol EC are not comparable with those of normal polycarbonate films (Makrofol DE). The sustainable film is stiffer and more brittle and can therefore be processed differently.

Is Makrofol EC recyclable, degradable or compostable?

We distinguish between bio-based film and biodegradable film. Bio-based films consist partly or entirely of renewable raw materials such as potatoes, sugar cane and corn. The proportion of these natural materials is between 20-100%, depending on the type of film. These films can be biodegradable, but do not necessarily have to be.

Biodegradable films are differentiated according to the time of their biodegradation. The exact methods and test specifications are specified in DIN standard EN 13432.

Makrofol EC is thermomechanically recyclable, but not recyclable or compostable. It is not a biodegradable film that exhibits complete decomposition.

Processing of sustainable films

Environmentally friendly films do not differ fundamentally in processing from conventional technical films.

Makrofol EC can be processed in many ways, including:

• printing
• cutting
• die-cutting
• laminating
• coating
• self-adhesive finishing
• is suitable for thermoforming
• the so-called High Pressure Forming (HPF)
• can be screen printed (other printing techniques are not recommended by the manufacturer)

Makrofol EC has a high chemical resistance. This reduces the good adhesion of the ink system (provided we are talking about a decorative FIM application) compared to Makrofol DE films. For this decorative FIM application, the manufacturer Covestro is planning to introduce a new product.

Possible applications

Sustainable films replace classic films in various application areas and offer ideal solutions for example:

• Graphic applications such as labels, tags or overlays
• Electrical and electronic applications with the purpose of insulation and for use in electrical devices or remote controls
• High quality packaging
• Automotive applications such as speedometer discs or decorated interior parts

Surfaces and thicknesses

The product Makrofol EC is available in two surface structures: glossy - glossy (1-1) and glossy - fine matt (1-4). Covestro offers the film in thicknesses of 125 μm, 250 μm and 375 μm. Thus, we have solutions for a wide range of applications for you.

For further questions about the use of plastics, CO2 emissions, sustainability, sizes and formats and information about our product range, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Your team of the König Folienzentrum

FAQ

What are sustainable sheets such as Makrofol EC?

Sustainable films such as Makrofol EC are polycarbonate films that consist partly of renewable raw materials. They offer the same optical and mechanical properties as classic films, reduce the carbon footprint and are considered an environmentally friendly alternative for industry, packaging and graphics.

What material are sustainable films made from?

Makrofol EC sustainable films are made of polycarbonate, partly bio-based from vegetable starch. The use of renewable raw materials reduces the consumption of fossil fuels and lowers CO2 emissions, while the films retain their technical properties.

What are the characteristics of sustainable films?

Sustainable films such as Makrofol EC are highly transparent, scratch-resistant, UV-resistant, chemically resistant and mechanically resilient. They combine environmental friendliness with high optical quality, impact resistance and versatility in processing, comparable to classic polycarbonate films.

What are typical applications for sustainable films such as Makrofol EC?

Sustainable Makrofol EC films are used for high-quality packaging, graphic elements such as labels or overlays, electrical insulation and automotive components such as speedometer discs or decorated interior parts. They replace conventional films in a wide range of industries.

In what thicknesses and formats are sustainable Makrofol EC films available?

Makrofol EC sustainable films are available in glossy-glossy (1-1) and glossy-fine matt (1-4) finishes. The film thicknesses are 125 µm, 250 µm and 375 µm, with a standard width of 1270 mm.

Are sustainable Makrofol EC films recyclable or biodegradable?

Makrofol EC sustainable films are thermomechanically recyclable, but not biodegradable or compostable. They are partly made from renewable raw materials, but do not have to be fully recyclable.

How can sustainable Makrofol EC films be processed?

Sustainable Makrofol EC films can be printed, cut, punched, laminated, coated, thermoformed and made self-adhesive. They are suitable for high-pressure forming and screen printing, whereby chemical resistance and surface quality must be taken into account for decorative applications.