POLYETHYLENE & POLYPROPYLENE MATERIALS

Environmental Scenario

Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) plastics are two among the most versatile and
economical materials that cover a wide range of application. It is noticeable that these plastics
are replacing many traditional materials, especially in packaging applications.

In 2002, as per National Statistics Office data, total annual consumption of polyethylene pellets
was 279,602 metric tons, of which 86,899 metric tons came from domestic production and
192,703 metric tons were imported. Whereas in 1992, the total consumption was 135,983 metric
tons.

In the case of polypropylene pellets and using the same data source, the annual consumption
of PP in 2002 totaled 367,446 metric tons, of which 250,825 metric tons were locally produced
and 116,826 metric tons were imported. In 1992, total consumption of PP was 140,685 metric
tons.

Last year, the local plastic industry estimated that resin consumption of the PE/PP packaging
sector was approximately 259,945 metric tons. However, actual PE/PP consumption cannot be
disaggregated.

While the use of plastics is increasing in almost all sectors of the economy, the most rapid
growth is in packaging. As a result, there is an increasing pressure to minimize material
requirement for packaging and to make them reusable, or at least recyclable to recover
materials.

The Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (R.A. 9003) mandates that the
“DTI shall formulate and implement a coding system for packaging materials and products to
facilitate waste recycling and reuse”, as stated in Article 4 of Section 27.

Hence, the labeling scheme becomes imperative for a successful plastic recovery and recycling,
ensuring that plastic containers and packaging materials can be identified so that they can be
properly collected, sorted and recycled.
 PHILIPPINE ANNUAL DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF POLYETHYLENE RESINS/PELLETS

Philippine Demand
Year Tons
2000 262,593
2001 267,651
2002 279,602
2003 269,949
2004 272,401
2005 274,984
2006 265,111
2007 272,820
2008 270,972
2009 269,634
Philippine Supply
Year Tons
2000 989,784
2001 939,746
2002 938,475
2003 892,478
2004 856,984
2005 799,983
2006 787,332
2007 650,420
2008 596,890
2009 550,000

SOURCE: National Statistics Office Data

Philippine Plastics Industry Association Data

Definition of Terms

1. Plastic – a material which contains as an essential ingredient a high polymer and which
at some stage in its processing into finished products can be shaped by flow.
2. Polyethylene – plastic based on polymers of ethylene or copolymers of ethylene with
other monomers, the ethylene being in the greatest amount by mass.
3. Polypropylene – plastic based on polymers of propylene or copolymers of propylene with
other monomers, the propylene being in the greatest amount by mass.
4. PE-HD – High Density Polyethylene is a PE produced with small amounts of short chain
branching of ethylene molecules with a density greater than 0.941 grams per cubic
centimeter.
5. PE-LD – Low Density Polyethylene is a PE produced with branches of long chain
ethylene molecules with a density between 0.090 and 0.925 grams per cubic centimeter.
6. PE-LLD – Linear Low Density Polyethylene is a PE containing sufficient short-chain
branching as a result of co-polymerization of ethylene or butane or octane.
7. R. A. 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
 8. Non-rigid packaging – plastic that has a modulus of elasticity in flexure or, if that is not
applicable, then in tension, not greater than 70 MPa under stated conditions.
9. Rigid Packaging – plastic that has a modulus of elasticity in flexure or, if that is not
applicable, then in tension, greater than 700 MPa under stated conditions.
10. Semi-rigid Packaging – plastic that has a modulus of elasticity in flexure or, if that is not
applicable, then in tension, between 70 MPa and 700 MPa under stated conditions.
11. Primary Packaging – packaging which has direct contact with the product
12. Secondary Packaging – packaging used to contain several individually-wrapped
products
13. Tertiary Packaging – packaging used to transport, store and display several bundles of
individually-wrapped products
14. Post-consumer Plastic Waste - any plastic that has entered the stream of commerce,
served its intended purpose, and can be diverted for recycling. This includes residential,
commercial and institutional plastic.
15. Industrial Plastic Wastes – include industrial scrap material like factory regrind and plant
scrap
16. HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, a pro-active process control system by
which food quality is ensured.

Scope

These criteria shall apply to polyethylene and polypropylene packaging such as non-rigid, rigid
and semi-rigid; with the application for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.

Green Choice Criteria

To carry the Green Choice Philippines seal, the product must meet the following requirements:

Product Requirements

1. The product shall be 100% recyclable.

2. When used as food primary packaging, the product shall conform to HACCP or any
equivalent standards.
3. The product shall carry the following latest international Plastic Coding System for Resin
Identification, appropriate for polyethylene and polypropylene packaging products:

4. The product shall carry instructions for proper disposal.

5. The production process, transport and disposal feature of the product shall meet the
requirements of all applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Effectivity:

These product criteria shall take effect for three (3) years from the date of its approval, and
subject to change or withdrawal by the Green Choice Philippines – ELP Board, if necessary at
any period of time.
Evaluation and Validation Method:

1. Regarding criterion 1, the applicant shall submit a self-certification from the company
CEO and certification from the supplier of raw materials pertaining to its recyclability. If
further validation is required, DOST-ITDI shall test the product from the market or
production line.
1. The applicant shall identify the recyclers of the product/s.
2. Regarding criterion 2, the applicant shall submit a certification from a HACCP certifying
body or BFAD.
3. Regarding criterion 3, the applicant shall submit a sample of their product.
4. Regarding criterion 4, the applicant shall submit a sample of their product carrying any of
the following statements or symbols:
5.1. Please recycle
5.2. Recycle
5.3. Please reuse
5.4. Do not litter
5.5. Please dispose off properly
5.6. Dispose off properly
5.7. Trash disposal symbol
5. Regarding criterion 5, the applicant shall submit applicable licenses, permits and
certificates indicating the manufacturer’s compliance with environmental regulations
applicable to the area in which the plant is located.

References

ISO 472: 1999- 11-01 (Third Edition) – Plastics Vocabulary

ISO 1043-1:2001-12-15 (Third Edition) – Plastics Symbols
National Statistics Office Data
Philippine Plastics Industry Association Data
Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines
Codex Alimentarius, 2nd Edition (revised 1995), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, World Health Organization, Rome 1995