PolyAl, explained.
The open technical reference on polyethylene-aluminium recyclate from beverage cartons — standards, processes, capacity and applications.
Pillar articles
Six in-depth references covering everything from the chemistry to the European market.
What is PolyAl — complete technical guide
Definition, composition, UNE 53925:2026 standard and how PolyAl differs from generic recycled polyolefins.
ReadRecycling technologies compared
Palurec (physical separation), Plastigram (aluLDPE), Recon Polymers (composites) and GetPolyal side by side.
ReadSelective dissolution-precipitation (SDP)
Pappa et al. (2020): solvent-based separation of polyethylene from aluminium in beverage cartons.
ReadEuropean PolyAl capacity 2024-2026
The 2024 industry's €40M investment, +40,000 t/year, and the EU map of operating PolyAl recyclers.
ReadIndustrial glossary
MFI, Vicat, ash content, PCR, PPWR, drop-in: every term you need when speccing PolyAl.
ReadPolyAl vs aluLDPE vs engineered compounds
Material selection guide for procurement and R&D teams choosing among carton-derived recyclates.
ReadApplication and material guides
Process-specific references for the engineers who have to make the material work.
Recyclable WPC decking and cladding
Profile geometries (145x21 mm and up), extrusion window, moisture and UV behaviour without wood flour.
OpenRotomoulding, compounds and storage bins
Where recycled PolyAl works directly, where it needs micronising, and realistic blend ratios.
OpenLDPE density and properties
Density in kg/m³, g/cm³ and lb/ft³, melting point, MFI and how fillers shift them.
OpenRecycled LDPE pellets
Specification, processing window, documentation and supply terms.
OpenFrequently asked questions about PolyAl
What does PolyAl mean?
+
PolyAl is short for polyethylene-aluminium. It refers to the recyclate obtained from the non-fibre fraction of beverage cartons after the paperboard is separated, and is composed of an LDPE-dominated polyolefin matrix with embedded aluminium flakes (typically 10–13% by mass).
Is PolyAl the same as recycled HDPE?
+
No. Recycled HDPE comes from rigid containers (bottles, drums) and contains no aluminium. PolyAl comes from beverage cartons, is dominated by LDPE (≈66%) and keeps the aluminium barrier as a mineral reinforcement, which increases stiffness and dimensional stability but lowers the Vicat softening point compared with virgin HDPE.
Which standard does PolyAl follow?
+
In Europe, PolyAl pellets are produced following UNE 53925:2026, the specific standard for PolyAl, which defines composition, density, melt flow index, ash content and mechanical properties for industrial use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis and full traceability.
What can PolyAl be used for?
+
Plastic pallets, technical profiles, urban furniture, planters, decking, fencing, bins and non-structural construction elements. It replaces virgin polyolefins in injection moulding and extrusion for non-food-contact durable goods.
How much PolyAl is available in Europe?
+
European PolyAl recycling capacity is growing rapidly. In 2024 the carton industry announced a €40M investment to add ~40,000 t/year of new capacity by 2026, on top of existing operations from Palurec (Germany), Plastigram (Czechia) and Recon Polymers (Netherlands).