Reference

Glossary

Plain-English definitions for the technical, regulatory and sustainability terms we use across our product, sustainability and comparison pages.

PolyAl: Recycled industrial pellet made from polylaminated beverage cartons. An LDPE-dominated polyolefin matrix reinforced with up to 13% aluminium recovered from the original packaging. Drop-in compatible with most injection and extrusion lines.
Polylaminated beverage carton: Multi-layer packaging combining paperboard, polyethylene and a thin aluminium barrier — used for milk, juice and other shelf-stable liquids. Around 950,000 t are consumed in Europe per year; only ~35% are effectively recycled.
LDPE (low-density polyethylene): Flexible polyethylene with a density of 910–940 kg/m³, the dominant polymer in PolyAl (≈66%). It sets the processing window: low melt temperatures, wide extrusion latitude and high impact resistance at room temperature.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene): Fossil-derived thermoplastic widely used for pallets, crates and pipes. Density 940–970 kg/m³, Vicat 120–130 °C. It is a minority component of PolyAl (≈18%) and the virgin material PolyAl most often replaces in non-food-contact parts.
WPC (wood-plastic composite): Composite of wood flour or fibre and a polymer binder (PE or PP). Used for decking and fencing where a wood look is desired. Limited moisture and chemical resistance compared to single-polymer alternatives.
MFI (melt flow index): Measure of polymer melt viscosity, expressed in g/10 min at a defined temperature and load (e.g. 190 °C / 2.16 kg). PolyAl: 2–4 g/10 min — suitable for both injection moulding and extrusion.
Vicat softening point: Temperature at which a needle of 1 mm² penetrates a polymer specimen 1 mm under a defined load. Used to predict service temperature limits. PolyAl: 90–100 °C (UNE-EN ISO 306:2013).
PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation): EU regulation (2024) replacing the previous packaging directive. Imposes minimum recycled content in plastic packaging by 2030 and 2040, plus design-for-recycling and reuse targets. PolyAl provides ISCC PLUS certified post-consumer recycled content that counts toward PPWR quotas.
Scope 3 emissions: Indirect greenhouse-gas emissions in a company's value chain, including purchased goods (category 1). Switching from virgin polyolefins to PolyAl typically removes ~1.6 t CO₂eq per tonne of plastic — a meaningful Scope 3 cat-1 reduction.
EUR.1 (preferential origin certificate): Movement certificate proving EU preferential origin, issued with each PolyAl shipment. It allows importers in countries with an EU trade agreement to clear the material at a reduced or zero tariff.
UNE 53925:2026: Spanish technical standard defining specifications for recycled PolyAl pellets: mechanical, thermal and contamination properties. PolyAl batches are produced following UNE 53925:2026.
UNE 56875:2021: Standard for chemical resistance testing of plastic products against cleaning agents (bleach, detergents, floor cleaners). PolyAl-extruded profiles pass the intensive-use rating.
Big Bag (FIBC): Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container used for bulk pellet shipment. PolyAl is supplied in big bags of up to 1000 kg, palletised for road and sea freight.
Drop-in recycled material: Recycled feedstock that can replace a virgin polymer without redesigning the part or retooling the line. PolyAl is a drop-in for virgin polyolefins in pallets, crates, profiles and urban furniture.