DuPont recognizes the universal concern about resource conservation and is focused on developing meaningful solutions to the issues. DuPont also advocates an integrated conservation and waste management system, including: source reduction/ material minimization, recycling, waste-to-energy incineration and safe landfilling.
Source Reduction/Material Minimization
Perhaps the most important benefit of Spunbonded Olefin is its strength and durability relative to its light weight. For example, envelopes of Spunbonded Olefin typically weigh half as much as envelopes made of other materials. In addition, the durability of products made of Spunbonded Olefin offers the potential for reuse.
DuPont strongly supports and practices the principle that the use of recycled products is a critical part of resource conservation. For example, DuPont and its direct customers have recycled pre-consumer scrap Spunbonded Olefin from manufacturing processes for more than 20 years. DuPont is also a customer for post-consumer recycled (PCR) high density polyethylene (HDPE) from such sources as milk or water jugs. Several styles of Spunbonded Olefin are made using 25% PCR material, and they are equal in quality, performance and aesthetics to Spunbonded Olefin products made of “virgin” HDPE.
DuPont provides support for customers, recyclers and trade associations to facilitate collection and recycling of Spunbonded Olefin products. Spunbonded Olefin is included in the ASTM 5203 standard for HDPE from post-consumer uses. For more information, call the Recycle Hotline at 1-800-448-9835.
Although incineration is not practiced as extensively in the United States as it is in Europe or Japan, Spunbonded Olefin can be safely incinerated. Under optimal conditions, it yields water and carbon dioxide, and leaves essentially no residue for disposal. In fact, Spunbonded Olefin is an excellent fuel for generating heat or electricity because it yields two or more times the energy value of coal and is equal to oil in BTU rating. For more information, contact DuPont at 1-800-448-9835.
Because Spunbonded Olefin is a high-value recyclable material, DuPont encourages pre- and post-consumer recycling. However, if landfilling is necessary, Spunbonded Olefin can be safely disposed of in a landfill at the end of its useful life. Spunbonded Olefin will not leach into groundwater because it is chemically inert and contains no binders.