Construction film made from recycled materials: when is it a good choice?

Recycled LDPE construction sheeting can be a good choice if it is made from a material, in a size and of a thickness suitable for the intended application. Different requirements apply to temporary covering, layer separation and a permanently installed membrane. It is therefore advisable to start by considering the intended application.

What sort of construction projects are you looking for plastic sheeting for?

During construction or renovation work, it is often necessary to protect surfaces from dust and dirt, and to cover stored materials. Recycled plastic sheeting may be considered for such tasks, provided it meets the necessary mechanical and performance requirements.

• Painting and refurbishment: Choose based on the size of the area to be covered, the duration of the work and the expected level of use plastic sheeting or masking film.
• Temporary covering of building materials: Take into account the surface roughness, any sharp corners and the method of fixing.
• Layer selection: The properties of the membrane must be adapted to the requirements of the specific layer sequence.
• Outdoor use: Due to solar radiation, wind and the duration of use, the choice of additives and UV stability must also be taken into account.

Recycled or virgin raw material?

Regranulate is made from recycled plastic. Its suitability for use is determined by the origin and purity of the raw material, as well as the properties of the finished film. It is therefore not enough simply to compare the „recycled” label or the price of the roll.

When used for covering purposes, the appearance of the film may be less important than in the case of visible packaging. However, tear resistance, consistent quality and ease of handling remain important here too. If transparency, odour or other properties are particularly important, please indicate this in your request for quotation. Regarding the origin of the raw materials, the In our article explaining the differences between PCR and PIR can be read.

As well as thickness, size and load also matter

The strain placed on the film is determined by the way it is used. A film left in place as a cover is subjected to different stresses than one that is repeatedly moved, pulled or laid on a rough surface. To select the appropriate thickness, these circumstances must also be discussed with the manufacturer.

By adjusting the width and length of the roll to match the area to be covered, waste and excess material can be reduced. The construction-grade film in rolls, held in stock as well as custom-sized wide films are also included in our range.

When is a separate technical consultation required?

In the case of permanently installed membranes, vapour barriers or specialised outdoor applications, the product’s suitability must be verified for the specific task. The suitability of a general-purpose covering film does not imply that it is suitable for all building construction applications. Please check the required properties, installation conditions and available product data in advance.

When changing the material or thickness, it is advisable to test your choice using a sample under real-world conditions. This allows you to assess the product’s handling characteristics and load-bearing capacity before placing a larger order.

What should you include in the request for quotation?

• The specific purpose: covering, protection, layer separation or another application.
• The required width, length, thickness and quantity.
• Whether the product is intended for indoor or outdoor use, and its expected service life.
• The mechanical load, the contact surface and the method of fixing.
• Requirements relating to transparency, colour, odour and additives.

Frequently asked questions about recycled construction film

Can it be used for all construction tasks?

Suitability must always be assessed on the basis of the task and the product’s properties. The requirements may differ for covering, outdoor protection and built-in layers.

Is it enough simply to compare the micron values?

No. The choice is influenced by the raw material, the mechanical properties, the additives, the dimensions and the operating conditions. The detailed criteria are set out in the our guide to choosing the right film thickness summarise.

Can I order a custom size?

Manitox’s made-to-order range includes a wide selection of films and covering films. We will discuss the appropriate design and manufacturing options based on your specific requirements.