Mixed-plastics polyethylene composition suitable for film applications

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition having melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.50 to 5.00 g / 10 min, determined by according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg and a density of from 913.0 to 930.0 kg / m³, determined by ISO 1183, obtainable by blending and extruding components comprising from 1.00 to 39.00 wt.-% of a virgin polyethylene resin (A) and from 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-% of a mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), a process for preparing said mixed-plastics polyethylene composition, an article, preferably a film comprising said mixed-plastics polyethylene composition, and the use of said mixed-plastics polyethylene composition for the production of a film.

Description

[0001] Mixed-plastics polyethylene composition suitable for film applications

[0002] The present invention relates to a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition having melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.50 to 5.00 g / 10 min, determined by according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg and a density of from 913.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, determined by ISO 1183, obtainable by blending and extruding components comprising from 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-% of a virgin polyethylene resin (A) and from 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-% of a mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), a process for preparing said mixed-plastics polyethylene composition, an article, preferably a film comprising said mixed-plastics polyethylene composition and the use of said mixed-plastics polyethylene composition for the production of a film.

[0003] Technical background

[0004] The challenge of disposal of accumulated plastic waste and corresponding environmental issues have received widespread attention from the public and professionals. Therefore, recycling of plastic material has become an important topic, where plastic waste can be turned into resources for new plastic products. Hence, environmental and economic aspects can be combined in recycling and reusing plastic material.

[0005] Although recycling of plastic material has already begun in the mid-90s by implementing collection systems, which allow more target orientated collection and separation of plastic materials from other household waste materials, the reuse of plastic material originating from plastic waste is still limited. Waste plastics (e.g., post-consumer recyclate (PCR)) generally contain mixtures of different plastics and several contaminant materials. These mixtures would usually need extensive mechanical recycling (i.e. , material sorting and cleaning) prior to further preparation or use. The employed modification methods are often limited to the use of relatively homogeneous plastic materials with a low content of contaminants. Thus, already established methods for modification of homogeneous plastic materials, and, in particular of virgin polymers, cannot be applied.

[0006] Moreover, these methods often do not provide recycled plastic materials with the required properties to be used in a wide range of applications.

[0007] However, there is a general need for further modification methods of waste plastic materials, in particular, post-consumer recyclate.

[0008] Polyolefins such as polyethylenes are often used in films. Besides mechanical requirements on polyethylenes for film applications, a low content of gel is important. The presence of gels is a common problem in polyolefins. The term “gel” generally refers to highly localized imperfections in the polyolefin, especially film made from polyolefin, that are visually distinct from the surrounding film, mostly due to the presence of either high concentrations of unblended polymer, unreacted catalyst and activator, or both, but can include other types of visually distinct imperfections as well. The less homogeneous films are characterized by a higher film thickness distribution. The presence of gels lowers the value of these films, and in some cases makes the films unmarketable. Especially recyclates are often characterized by a rather high gel content. Thus, there is a need in the art for methods for reducing the gel content of polyolefin recyclates.

[0009] There are methods known in the art for reducing the gel content in virgin polyolefins. Many of these methods rely on filtering a polyolefin melt. For example, US 7,393,916 suggests passing the polyolefin through one active screen filter having a mesh size of from 70 to 200 pm.

[0010] In the present invention it has surprisingly been found that the addition of a virgin polyethylene resin (A), which is characterized by a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, in low amounts to a mixed plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) provides a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition with a significantly reduced gel content. If needed the gel content can then be further reduced by addition of peroxides. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to the invention has high amounts of polyethylene resins which originate from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste and shows a good balance of properties in regard of mechanical properties and optical properties and shows a low gel content. Therefore, the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to the invention is suitable for film applications.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] In a first aspect the present invention relates to a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition having

[0013] • a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.50 to 5.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.75 to 4.00 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; and • a density from 913.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, preferably from 915.0 to 928.0 kg / m3, more preferably from 916.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; obtainable by blending and extruding components comprising a) 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-%, preferably 4.95 to 27.50 wt.-%, more preferably 9.95 to 23.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a virgin polyethylene resin (A), wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 1 .0 to 75 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2.5 to 50 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a density of from 905.0 to 935.0 kg / m3, preferably from 910.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 912.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 98.00 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably from 99.50 to 100 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; and a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, preferably from 25 to 100, more preferably from 27 to 75, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21.6 kg or 2.16 kg; and b) 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-%, preferably 70.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably 75.00 to 90.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) wherein from 80.00 to 97.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably from 87.00 to 93.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste; and wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.30 to 4.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.50 to 3.50 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 15 to 40, preferably from 17 to 37, more preferably from 20 to 35, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg or 2.16 kg; a density of from 910.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, preferably from 912.0 to 922.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 915.0 to 920.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; and a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 80.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 94.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 87.50 to 94.00 wt.- %, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement, wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 as the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0014] In a second aspect the present invention relates to a process for preparing the mixed- plastics polyethylene composition as described above or below, comprising the steps of: a) providing a virgin polyethylene resin (A) in an amount of 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-%, preferably 4.95 to 27.50 wt.-%, more preferably 9.95 to 23.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 1 .0 to 75 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2.5 to 50 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a density of from 905.0 to 935.0 kg / m3, preferably from 910.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 912.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 98.00 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably from 99.50 to 100 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; and a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, preferably from 25 to 100, more preferably from 27 to 75, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21.6 kg or 2.16 kg; and b) providing a mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) in an amount of 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-%, preferably 70.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably 75.00 to 90.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, wherein from 80.00 to 97.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably from 87.00 to 93.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste; and wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.30 to 4.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.50 to 3.50 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 15 to 40, preferably from 17 to 37, more preferably from 20 to 35, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg or 2.16 kg; a density of from 910.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, preferably from 912.0 to 922.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 915.0 to 920.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; and a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 80.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 94.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 87.50 to 94.00 wt.- %, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 as the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B); c) optionally providing a radical initiator, optionally in form of a masterbatch in the presence of a carrier polymer, in an amount of from 0.00 to 5.00 wt.-%, preferably from 0.0001 to 3.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.001 to 2.50 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition; d) melting and mixing the blend of the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and optionally the radical initiator in an extruder, optionally a twin screw extruder, and e) optionally pelletizing the obtained mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0015] In a third aspect the present invention relates to an article comprising the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition as described above or below, preferably in an amount of from 90 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably from 95 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the article.

[0016] Said article is preferably a film, more preferably a cast film or a blown film.

[0017] In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to the use of a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition as described above or below for the production of a film, preferably for the production of a packaging film, with an amount of from 60.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, preferably from 65.0 to 90.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 70.0 to 85.0 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the film, of components originating from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste.

[0018] Definitions

[0019] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice for testing of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[0020] Unless clearly indicated otherwise, use of the terms “a,” “an,” and the like refers to one or more.

[0021] In the following, amounts are given in % by weight (wt.-%) unless it is stated otherwise. For the purposes of the present description and of the subsequent claims, the term “recycled waste” is used to indicate a material recovered from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste, as opposed to virgin polymers and / or materials. Postconsumer waste refers to objects having completed at least a first use cycle (or life cycle), i.e. having already served their first purpose. Post-industrial waste refers to manufacturing scrap, which does not normally reach a consumer.

[0022] The term “virgin” denotes the newly produced materials and / or objects prior to their first use, which have not already been recycled. In case that the origin of the polymer is not explicitly mentioned the polymer is a “virgin” polymer.

[0023] The term “recycled material” such as used herein denotes materials reprocessed from “recycled waste”.

[0024] The term “recycling blend” denotes a blend of polymer resins which in its mass majority comprises polymer resins, which originate from recycled waste. A blend denotes a mixture of two or more components, wherein one of the components is polymeric. In general, the blend can be prepared by mixing the two or more components. Suitable mixing procedures are known in the art.

[0025] The term “polyethylene blend” requires the presence of at least two different polyethylenes such as two polyethylenes differing as to their density. For example, a bimodal polyethylene as obtained from two reactors operated under different conditions constitutes a polyethylene blend, in this case an in-situ blend of two reactor products. It is self explaining that polyethylene blends as obtained from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste will include a broad variety of polyethylenes. In addition to that contamination by other plastics, mainly polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, polyesters, wood, paper, limonene, aldehydes, ketones, fatty acids, metals, and / or long term decomposition products of stabilizers can also be found. It goes without saying that such contaminants are not desirable.

[0026] It should be understood that the mixed-plastics polyethylene blend of the present invention is not a cookie-cutter blend as some of the commercially available recyclates. The mixed-plastics polyethylene blend according to the present invention should rather be compared with virgin blends.

[0027] For the purposes of the present description and of the subsequent claims, the term “mixed-plastics polyethylene” indicates a polymer material including predominantly units derived from ethylene apart from other polymeric ingredients of arbitrary nature. Such polymeric ingredients may for example originate from monomer units derived from alpha olefins such as propylene, butylene, hexene, octene, and the like, styrene derivatives such as vinylstyrene, substituted and unsubstituted acrylates, substituted and unsubstituted methacrylates.

[0028] A mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend denotes the starting blend comprising a mass majority of the mixed-plastics polyethylene as described above. The mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (can further comprise virgin polyethylene components in minor mass amounts. Conventionally further non-polymeric components such as fillers, including organic and inorganic fillers for example talc, chalk, carbon black, and further pigments such as TiC>2 as well as paper and cellulose may be present. In a specific and preferred embodiment the waste stream is a consumer waste stream. Such a waste stream may originate from conventional collecting systems such as those implemented in the European Union. Post-consumer waste material is characterized by a limonene content of from 0.1 to 500 mg / kg (as determined using solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME-GC-MS) by standard addition).

[0029] Detailed description

[0030] Mixed-plastics polyethylene composition

[0031] In a first aspect the present invention relates to a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition having

[0032] • a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.50 to 5.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.75 to 4.00 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; and

[0033] • a density from 913.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, preferably from 915.0 to 928.0 kg / m3, more preferably from 916.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; obtainable by blending and extruding components comprising a) 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-%, preferably 4.95 to 27.50 wt.-%, more preferably 9.95 to 23.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a virgin polyethylene resin (A), wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 1 .0 to 75 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2.5 to 50 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a density of from 905.0 to 935.0 kg / m3, preferably from 910.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 912.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 98.00 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably from 99.50 to 100 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; and a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, preferably from 25 to 100, more preferably from 27 to 75, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21.6 kg or 2.16 kg; and b) 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-%, preferably 70.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably 75.00 to 90.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) wherein from 80.00 to 97.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably from 87.00 to 93.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste; and wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.30 to 4.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.50 to 3.50 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 15 to 40, preferably from 17 to 37, more preferably from 20 to 35, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg or 2.16 kg; a density of from 910.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, preferably from 912.0 to 922.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 915.0 to 920.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; and a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 80.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 94.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 87.50 to 94.00 wt.- %, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement, wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 as the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0034] The mixed-plastics composition has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.50 to 5.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.75 to 4.00 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg.

[0035] Further, the mixed-plastics composition preferably has a melt flow rate MFR21 of from 25 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably from 35 to 85 g / 10 min, still more preferably from 50 to 75 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg.

[0036] Still further, the mixed-plastics composition preferably has a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 10 to 60, more preferably from 15 to 50, still more preferably from 20 to 40.

[0037] Additionally, the mixed-plastics composition has a density, preferably from 915.0 to 928.0 kg / m3, more preferably from 916.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO The mixed-plastics composition preferably comprises from 60.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, preferably from 65.0 to 90.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 70.0 to 85.0 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of components originating from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste.

[0038] The mixed-plastics composition preferably further comprises from 5.0 to 40.0 wt.-%, preferably from 10.0 to 35.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 15.0 to 30.0 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of virgin components.

[0039] Said virgin components are preferably selected from virgin polymers, optionally additives and optionally a radical initiator, optionally in form of a masterbatch in the presence of a carrier polymer.

[0040] The additives are preferably selected from common additives for preparation processes of polyolefins, such as modifiers, stabilizers, antistatic agents, lubricants, nucleating agents, foam nucleators, acid scavengers, UV stabilizers, slip agents and pigments, as well as fillers and reinforcement agents.

[0041] The advantage of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) is that it usually contains additives from the preparation processes of virgin polymers and first-use articles, meaning that the further addition of additives may not be required at all. However, especially stabilizers like primary and secondary antioxidants are sometimes consumed during the processing and usage phase, and addition of stabilizers in suitable amounts is preferred.

[0042] The additives are generally added in an amount of from 0.00 to 10.00 wt.-%, preferably from 0.00 to 5.00 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0043] The radical initiator, optionally in form of a masterbatch in the presence of a carrier polymer is preferably added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition in an amount of from 0.00 to 5.00 wt.-%, preferably from 0.0001 to 3.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.001 to 2.50 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition. In one embodiment, the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition does not comprise the radical initiator.

[0044] In another embodiment, the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition comprises the radical initiator in an amount of from 0.0001 to 5.00 wt.-%, preferably from 0.001 to 3.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.002 to 2.50 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0045] It is preferred that the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition, comprise the radical initiator.

[0046] The radical initiator can be added to the mixed-plastics composition in pure form or in form of a masterbatch.

[0047] When added in pure form, the radical initiator is preferably present in the mixed-plastics composition in an amount of from 1 to 5000 ppm, more preferably from 10 to 2500 ppm, still more preferably from 20 to 1000 ppm, based on the overall weight of the mixed- plastics polyethylene composition.

[0048] When added in form of a masterbatch, the masterbatch is preferably present in the mixed-plastics composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 5.00 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.05 to 3.50 wt.-%, still more preferably from 0.1 to 2.50 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0049] The mixed plastics polyethylene composition is obtainable by blending a virgin polyethylene resin (A), a mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), optionally additives as described above and optionally a radical initiator.

[0050] When blending the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), optionally additives as described above with a radical initiator, the radical initiator is preferably firstly added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) before blending with the virgin polyethylene resin (A) and optionally additives as described above.

[0051] It is preferred that the mixed plastics polyethylene composition comprises the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), optionally additives as described above and optionally the radical initiator in an amount from 90.0 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably from 95.0 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the mixed plastics polyethylene composition.

[0052] Other components can be polymeric components, such as polyethylene components, in an amount of from 0.00 to 10.00 wt.-%, preferably 0.00 to 5.00 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the mixed plastics polyethylene composition.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the mixed plastics polyethylene composition comprises the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), optionally additives as described above and optionally the radical initiator.

[0054] In the following the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and the radical initiator are further described.

[0055] Virgin polyethylene resin (A)

[0056] The virgin polyethylene resin (A) is present in the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition in an amount of from 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-%, preferably from 4.95 to 27.50 wt.- %, more preferably from 9.95 to 23.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the mixed- plastics polyethylene composition.

[0057] The virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 1 .0 to 75 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2.5 to 50 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg.

[0058] Additionally, the virgin polyethylene resin (A) preferably has a melt flow rate MFR21 of from 30 to 1000 g / 10 min, more preferably from 100 to 850 g / 10 min, still more preferably from 250 to 650 g / 10 min, even more preferably from 400 to 550 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg.

[0059] Furthermore, the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, preferably from 25 to 100, more preferably from 27 to 75, still more preferably from 30 to 50, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg or 2.16 kg. The virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 than the mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0060] Further, the virgin polyethylene resin (A) preferably has a higher melt flow rate MFR2 than the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0061] Still further, the virgin polyethylene resin (A) preferably has a higher melt flow rate MFR21 than the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0062] Further, the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a density of from 905.0 to 935.0 kg / m3, preferably from 910.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 912.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183.

[0063] Still further, the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 98.00 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably from 99.50 to 100 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement.

[0064] It is preferred that the virgin polyethylene resin (A) is a low density polyethylene (LDPE) resin.

[0065] The virgin polyethylene resin (A) is preferably polymerized in a high pressure polymerization process by means of free radical polymerization, preferably a tubular high pressure polymerization process. Said high pressure polymerization processes, especially tubular high pressure polymerization processes are well known in the art.

[0066] Virgin polyethylene resins suitable as virgin polyethylene resin (A) are also commercially available. These resins are usually already additivated with stabilizer packages. Thus, when using commercially available resins as virgin polyethylene resin (A) the addition of additives as described above might have to be adjusted to the already present additives. In case of a commercially available virgin polyethylene resin (A) the above stated properties can be measured using a common measurement method or verified by the technical documentation provided by the supplier.

[0067] Mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) The mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) is present in the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition in an amount of from 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-%, preferably 70.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably 75.00 to 90.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0068] It is the essence of the present invention that from 80.00 to 97.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 95 .00 wt.-%, more preferably from 87.00 to 93.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from a post-consumer waste stream and / or a post-industrial waste stream, preferably from a post-consumer waste stream, such as from conventional collecting systems (curb-side collection), such as those implemented in the European Union.

[0069] Said post-consumer waste can be identified by its limonene content. It is preferred that the post-consumer waste has a limonene content, determined by using solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME-GC-MS), of from 0.1 to 500 mg / kg.

[0070] Preferably, from 3.00 to 20.00 wt.-%, more preferably 5.00 to 15.00 wt.-% more preferably 7.00 to 13.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from virgin polyolefin components, preferably virgin polyethylene components. Suitable virgin polyethylene components are polyethylene components having a density of 900.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, preferably from 905.0 to 925.0 kg / m2, more preferably from 910.0 to 920.0 kg / m2, determined according to ISO 1183.

[0071] The polyethylene component preferably is a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The polyethylene component is preferably a copolymer of ethylene, which comprises one or more comonomers selected from alpha-olefins having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 8 carbon atoms. Preferably, the polyethylene component is a terpolymer of ethylene and two comonomers differing in their amount of carbon atoms.

[0072] It is preferred that the polyethylene component is a copolymer of ethylene with comonomer units derived from 1 -butene and / or 1 -hexene. Preferably the polyethylene component is a terpolymer of ethylene with comonomer units derived from 1 -butene and 1 -hexene.

[0073] The polyethylene component preferably has a total comonomer content, i.e. the content of comonomer units derived from 1 -butene and / or 1 -hexene, of from 1.0 to 25.0 wt.- %,more preferably from 1 .5 to 22.5 wt.-%, still more preferably from 2.0 to 20.0 wt.-%. The polyethylene component preferably has a 1 -butene content of from 0.1 to 5.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.2 to 3.5 wt.-%, still more preferably from 0.3 to 2.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polyethylene component.

[0074] The polyethylene component preferably has a 1 -hexene content of from 4.0 to 20.0 wt.- %, more preferably from 5.0 to 18.0 wt.-%, still more preferably from 6.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polyethylene component.

[0075] The polyethylene component preferably has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.1 to 5.0 g / 10 min, more preferably from 0.5 to 4.0 g / 10 min, still more preferably from 1 .0 to 3.0 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at a load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 190°C

[0076] The polyethylene component is preferably obtainable by polymerization in the presence of a single site catalyst system. The single site catalyst system preferably comprises catalytically active metallocene compound or complex combined with a cocatalyst. Suitable cocatalysts are metal alkyl compounds and especially aluminium alkyl compounds known in the art. Especially suitable activators used with metallocene catalysts are alkylaluminium oxy-compounds, such as methylaluminoxane (MAO), tetraisobutylalumoxane (TIBAO) or hexaisobutylalumoxane (HIBAO).

[0077] Suitable metallocene catalysts are known in the art and are disclosed, among others, in WO-A-95 / 12622, WO-A-96 / 32423, WO-A-97 / 28170, WO-A-98 / 32776, WO-A-99 / 61489, WO-A-03 / 010208, WO-A-03 / 051934, WO-A-03 / 051514, WO-A-2004 / 085499, EP-A- 1752462 and EP-A-1739103.

[0078] The mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.30 to 4.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.50 to 3.50 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg.

[0079] Further, the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) preferably has a melt flow rate MFR21 of from 25 to 100 g / 10 min, more preferably from 40 to 85 g / 10 min, still more preferably from 50 to 75 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg.

[0080] Additionally, the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 15 to 40, preferably from 17 to 37, more preferably from 20 to 35. The virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 as the mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0081] The lower flow rate ratio of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) indicates that the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has lower amounts of long chain branching components, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) components, compared to the virgin polyethylene resin (A).

[0082] Further, the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a density of from 910.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, preferably from 912.0 to 922.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 915.0 to 920.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183.

[0083] The mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 80.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 94.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 87.50 to 94.00 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement.

[0084] Further, the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) comprises a total amount of continuous units having 3 carbon atoms corresponding to polypropylene (continuous C3 units) of from 1 .50 to 7.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 2.00 to 6.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 3.00 to 5.50 wt.-%; a total amount of units having 3 carbon atoms as isolated C3 units (isolated C3 units) of from 0.00 to 0.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.00 to 0.35 wt.-%, most preferably from 0.00 to 0.25 wt.-%; a total amount of units having 4 carbon atoms (C4 units) of from 0.10 to 3.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.25 to 3.00 wt.-%, most preferably from 0.50 to 2.50 wt.-%; a total amount of units having 6 carbon atoms (C6 units) of from 1 .50 to 7.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 2.00 to 6.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 3.00 to 5.50 wt.-%; a total amount of units having 7 carbon atoms (C7 units) of from 0.00 to 0.25 wt.-%, of from 0.00 to 0.20 wt.-%, most preferably of from 0.00 to 0.15 wt.-%, and a LDPE content of from 0.00 to 0.25 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.00 to 0.20 wt.- %, most preferably from 0.00 to 0.15 wt.-%. The total amounts of C2 units, continuous C3 units, isolated C3 units, C4 units, C6 units, C7 units and LDPE content thereby are based on the total weight amount of monomer units in the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and are measured or calculated according to quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement.

[0085] It is preferred that the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) does not comprise carbon black. It is especially preferred that the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) does also not comprise any pigments other than carbon black. In this case, the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) may be a natural mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), i.e. , no pigments (including carbon black) are included in the components of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0086] The mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) may also include: a) 0 to 10 wt.-% units derived from alpha olefin(s), b) 0 to 3.0 wt.-% stabilizers, c) 0 to 3.0 wt.-% talc, d) 0 to 3.0 wt.-% chalk, e) 0 to 6.0 wt.-% further components wherein all percentages relate to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0087] Radical initiator

[0088] In one embodiment the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition further comprises a radical initiator.

[0089] In said embodiment, the radical initiator is present in the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition in an amount of from 0.0001 to 5.00 wt.-%, preferably from 0.0001 to 3.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.001 to 2.50 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0090] The radical initiator can be added to the mixed-plastics composition in pure form or in form of a masterbatch.

[0091] When added in pure form, the radical initiator is preferably present in the mixed-plastics composition in an amount of from 1 to 5000 ppm, more preferably from 10 to 2500 ppm, still more preferably from 20 to 1000 ppm, based on the overall weight of the mixed- plastics polyethylene composition. When added in form of a masterbatch, the masterbatch is preferably present in the mixed-plastics composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 5.00 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.05 to 3.50 wt.-%, still more preferably from 0.1 to 2.50 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0092] The amount of masterbatch is preferably chosen as such that the effective amount of radical initiator is preferably from 1 to 5000 ppm, more preferably from 10 to 2500 ppm, still more preferably from 20 to 1000 ppm, based on the overall weight of the mixed- plastics polyethylene composition.

[0093] In another embodiment, the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition does not comprise a radical initiator.

[0094] It is preferred that the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition comprises the radical initiator.

[0095] The radical initiator may be selected from any radical initiator suitable for applications for polyethylene polymers. Preferably, the radical initiator is a carbon-carbon free radical compound, an azo compound, a stable nitroxyl compound, a sterically hindered NO-acyl compound or a peroxy compound, more preferably a peroxy compound. A preferred peroxy compound is selected from the group consisting of acyl peroxide, alkyl peroxide, hydroperoxide, perester, peroxycarbonate, and combinations thereof.

[0096] In preferred embodiments, the radical initiator is selected from the group consisting of di- tert-amylperoxide, 2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-3-hexyne, 2,5-di(tert- butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane, tert-butylcumylperoxide, di(tert-butyl)peroxide, dicumylperoxide, butyl-4,4-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-valerate, 1 , 1 -bis(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5- trimethylcyclohexane, tert-butylperoxybenzoate, dibenzoylperoxide, bis(tertbutylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(benzoylperoxy)hexane, 1 ,1 - di (tertbutylperoxy) cyclohexane, 1 ,1 -di(tert amylperoxy)cyclohexane, and combinations thereof, 2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane being most preferred.

[0097] The radical initiator may be added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition in a solid or liquid form. The radical initiator is preferably added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition in a form of a pre-mixture (masterbatch). Preferably, the radical initiator is pre-mixed with a carrier which can be a polymer, e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene, or other materials, e.g., silica or CaCOs, forming a masterbatch. A suitable masterbatch is a polypropylene-based peroxide masterbatch containing 5.00 wt.-% of 2,5-dimethyl 2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy) hexane (commercial name Trigonox® 101 , produced and supplied by Nouryon Polymer chemistry).

[0098] It is preferred that the radical initiator is added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) in a first step so that the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) is modified in the presence of the radical initiator. In a second step the modified mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) is blended with the virgin polyethylene resin (A) and optionally the additives.

[0099] In some embodiments, the radical initiator is added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) contained in a reactor, or it is added to a reactor concurrently with the addition of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0100] In one embodiment, the reactor is a flow-through reactor, such as a horizontal mixer with paddle stirrer, preferably in a continuous mode. The mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and the radical initiator may be added in parallel streams into a flow- through reactor. Preferably, the flow-through reactor is a horizontal flow-through reactor, and the components may be transported through the reactor by means of transporting paddles. In this way, very efficient absorption of the radical initiator by the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) is reached.

[0101] In alternative embodiments, other reactors may be used, where, for example, the radical initiator is added to a reactor after the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has been placed therein.

[0102] In some embodiments, the radical initiator is added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) contained in a melt processing unit. In case the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) of step (I) is melted prior to step (II), step (II) may be performed at a higher temperature in the range of e.g., from 150 to 250°C, such as from 160 to 240°C.

[0103] Process

[0104] In a second aspect the present invention relates to a process for preparing the mixed- plastics polyethylene composition as described above or below, comprising the steps of: a) providing a virgin polyethylene resin (A) in an amount of 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-%, preferably 4.95 to 27.50 wt.-%, more preferably 9.95 to 23.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 1 .0 to 75 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2.5 to 50 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a density of from 905.0 to 935.0 kg / m3, preferably from 910.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 912.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 98.00 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably from 99.50 to 100 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; and a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, preferably from 25 to 100, more preferably from 27 to 75, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21.6 kg or 2.16 kg; and b) providing a mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) in an amount of 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-%, preferably 70.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably 75.00 to 90.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, wherein from 80.00 to 97.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably from 87.00 to 93.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste; and wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.30 to 4.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.50 to 3.50 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 15 to 40, preferably from 17 to 37, more preferably from 20 to 35, calculated from MFR21 and MFR2, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg or 2.16 kg; a density of from 910.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, preferably from 912.0 to 922.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 915.0 to 920.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; and a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 80.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 94.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 87.50 to 94.00 wt.- %, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 as the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B); c) optionally providing a radical initiator, optionally in form of a masterbatch in the presence of a carrier polymer, in an amount of from 0.00 to 5.00 wt.-%, preferably from 0.0001 to 3.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.001 to 2.50 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition; d) melting and mixing the blend of the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and optionally the radical initiator in an extruder, optionally a twin screw extruder, and e) optionally pelletizing the obtained mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

[0105] All preferred aspects, definitions and embodiments as described above shall also hold for the process.

[0106] When present, the radical initiator is preferably added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) prior to step d).

[0107] The radical initiator may be added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) in a solid or liquid form. The radical initiator is preferably added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) in a form of a pre-mixture (masterbatch). Preferably, the radical initiator is pre-mixed with a carrier which can be a polymer, e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene, or other materials, e.g., silica or CaCOs, forming a masterbatch. A suitable masterbatch is a polypropylene-based peroxide masterbatch containing 5 wt.-% of 2,5-dimethyl 2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy) hexane (commercial name Trigonox® 101 , produced and supplied by Nouryon Polymer chemistry).

[0108] In some embodiments, the radical initiator is added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) contained in a reactor, or it is added to a reactor concurrently with the addition of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

[0109] In one embodiment, the reactor is a flow-through reactor, such as a horizontal mixer with paddle stirrer, preferably in a continuous mode. The mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and the radical initiator may be added in parallel streams into a flow- through reactor. Preferably, the flow-through reactor is a horizontal flow-through reactor, and the components may be transported through the reactor by means of transporting paddles. In this way, very efficient absorption of the radical initiator by the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) is reached. - l -

[0110] In alternative embodiments, other reactors may be used, where, for example, the radical initiator is added to a reactor after the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has been placed therein.

[0111] In some embodiments, the radical initiator is added to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) contained in a melt processing unit. In case the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) of step b) is melted prior to adding the radical initiator to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B). The step of adding the radical initiator to the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) may be performed at a higher temperature in the range of e.g., from 150 to 250 °C, such as from 160 to 240 °C.

[0112] In another embodiment, no radical initiator is added to mixed-plastics polyethylene composition. In said embodiment, optional process step c) is omitted.

[0113] In step d) of the process of the present invention, the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and optionally the radical initiator are melted and mixed.

[0114] Preferably, the melting and mixing step d) is carried out by compounding, such as extrusion. The preferred temperature range for compounding, preferably extrusion is from 150 to 250 °C, more preferably from 160 to 240 °C, even more preferably from 165 to 230 °C and most preferably from 170 to 225 °C. During extrusion, the mixed-plastic- polyethylene recycling blend is generally melted.

[0115] Extrusion may be carried out in any conventional way known in the art. Preferably, extrusion is carried out in a continuous melt mixing device like a single screw extruder, a co-rotating twin screw extruder or a co-kneader. The barrel temperature is preferably in the range of from 150 to 250 °C. The screw speed of the melt mixing device preferably is adjusted to a range of from 100 to 750 rotations per minute (rpm), preferably 100 to 500 rpm and more preferably 100 to 300 rpm.

[0116] More preferably, the melt mixing device includes a feed zone, a kneading zone and a die zone and a specific temperature profile is maintained along the screw of the meltmixing device, having an initial temperature T1 in the feed zone, a maximum temperature T2 in the kneading zone and a final temperature T3 in the die zone, all temperatures being defined as barrel temperatures. Barrel temperature T1 (in the feed zone) is preferably in the range of from 150 to 250 °C. Barrel temperature T2 (in the kneading zone) preferably is in the range of from 150 to 250 °C. Barrel temperature T3 (in the die zone) preferably is in the range of from 150 to 250 °C.

[0117] In one embodiment, the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and optionally additives are melted and mixed, preferably by extrusion without the presence of a radical initiator.

[0118] In another embodiment, the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and optionally additives are melted and mixed, preferably by extrusion in the presence of a radical initiator.

[0119] In the latter embodiment step d) may optionally comprise mixing the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and the radical initiator prior to extrusion. Mixing is preferably carried out by contacting the components for a time of at least 2 minutes, preferably a time in the range of from 5 to 30 min, more preferably from 8 to 25 min, in order to reach relatively homogeneous absorption of the radical initiator by the mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B). Mixing is preferably performed at a temperature in the range of from 20 to 90 °C, more preferably from 40 to 80 °C. Highly homogeneous adsorption is reached e.g., in a flow-through reactor as described above. After mixing, the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and the radical initiator may be kept in contact, for e.g. one or more hours, for soaking of the radical initiator by the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), before extrusion.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, one part or the entire process of the present invention is performed as a continuous process under the use of the flow-through reactors described above, and with direct transport of the composition of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and the radical initiator into an extruder. In the extruder the composition of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and the radical initiator is compounded with the virgin polyethylene resin (A) and optionally additives.

[0121] In this way, selectively a modified mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (modified B) is obtained, whereby, the virgin polyethylene resin (A) is not modified by the radical initiator.

[0122] Further process steps

[0123] In addition to the steps a) to d), further steps may be comprised in the process of the present invention.

[0124] Subsequent to step d), the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition may be pelletized, e.g., either in an underwater pelletizer or after solidification of one or more strands in a suitable pelletization process. Suitable pelletization processes include underwater pelletization, water-ring pelletization and strand pelletization, the latter comprising solidification of one or more melt strands in a water bath followed by cutting the strand into pellets.

[0125] In some embodiments, the process is carried out without pelletization. For example, the melting and mixing step may be carried out on the extrusion line of the film preparation, and the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition is directly processed to a film layer.

[0126] Article

[0127] In a third aspect the present invention relates to an article comprising the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition as described above or below, preferably in an amount of from 90 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably from 95 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the article.

[0128] Said article is preferably a film, more preferably a cast film or a blown film.

[0129] All preferred aspects, definitions and embodiments as described above shall also hold for the article.

[0130] The article is preferably a film, more preferably a cast film or a blown film.

[0131] The film according to the present invention comprises at least one layer comprising the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition, in any of the embodiments depicted above. The film can be a monolayer film comprising the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition or a multilayer film, wherein at least one layer comprises the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition. The terms “monolayer film” and “multilayer film” have well known meanings in the art.

[0132] The article according to the present invention is preferably a packaging film, i.e. , it may be used in various packaging applications, in particular for secondary packaging, which do not require a food approval, or even for primary packaging for non-food products. Furthermore, the article according to the present invention may be used as a layer in multilayer polyethylene-based blown films, preferably as core layer in multilayer polyethylene-based blown films. The film, especially the monolayer film, preferably has a film thickness of from 5 to 150 pm, more preferably from 10 to 125 pm, still more preferably from 20 to 100 pm.

[0133] In case of a multilayer film, the layer comprising mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to the invention preferably has a film thickness of from 5 to 150 pm, more preferably from 10 to 125 pm, still more preferably from 20 to 100 pm.

[0134] The film, especially the monolayer film, preferably comprises the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to the invention in an amount of from 90 to 100 wt.- %, more preferably from 95 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the film, preferably the monolayer film.

[0135] In case of a multilayer film, the layer comprising mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to the invention preferably comprises the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to the invention in an amount of from 90 to 100 wt.- %, more preferably from 95 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the layer.

[0136] The article, preferably the film, surprisingly shows a superior balance of properties in regard of low gel count, good mechanical properties and good optical properties.

[0137] The article, preferably the film, preferably has a gel index of from 5,000 to 25,000, more preferably from 6,500 to 24,000, still more preferably from 7,500 to 22,500.

[0138] Further, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a gel content having a size of from 100 to 299 pm of from 500,000 to 3,250,000 I m2, more preferably from 750,000 to 3,100,000 I m2, still more preferably from 1 ,000,000 to 3,000,000 / m2.

[0139] Still further, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a gel content having a size of from 300 to 599 pm of from 2,500 to 35,0001 m2, more preferably from 5,000 to 32,0001 m2, still more preferably from 7,500 to 30,000 / m2. Furthermore, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a gel content having a size of from 600 to 999 pm of from 0 to 25 / m2, more preferably from 0 to 20 / m2, still more preferably from 0 to 15 / m2.

[0140] Moreover, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a gel content having a size of 1000 pm and more of from 0 to 10 / m2, more preferably from 0 to 5 / m2, still more preferably from 0 to 2 / m2.

[0141] The gel contents and the gel index are all determined by a gel counting apparatus on cast films with a thickness of 70 pm and a width of approximately 110 mm.

[0142] Additionally, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a relative gel index RGI of from 0.10 to 0.90, more preferably from 0.15 to 0.75, still more preferably from 0.17 to 0.65, wherein the RGI is calculated from the gel index of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition and the gel index of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) according to the formula n , j GI {Composition) Rbi = 1 - GI{ - -blend { - —B -)) — .

[0143] Further, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a tensile modulus in machine direction of from 100 to 400 MPa, more preferably from 125 to 350 MPa, still more preferably from 140 to 300 MPa, determined according to ISO 527-3 on blown films having a thickness of 40 pm.

[0144] Still further, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a tensile modulus in transverse direction of from 100 to 400 MPa, more preferably from 125 to 350 MPa, still more preferably from 140 to 300 MPa, determined according to ISO 527-3 on blown films having a thickness of 40 pm.

[0145] Furthermore, the article, preferably the film, preferably has a haze of from 10% to 50%, preferably from 15% to 45%, more preferably from 20% to 40%, determined according to ASTM D1003 on blown films having a thickness of 40 pm. Use

[0146] In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to the use of a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition as described above or below for the production of a film, preferably for the production of a packaging film, with an amount of from 60.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, preferably from 65.0 to 90.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 70.0 to 85.0 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the film, of components originating from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste.

[0147] All preferred aspects, definitions and embodiments as described above shall also hold for the use.

[0148] The invention will be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0149] Examples

[0150] 1. Measurement methods

[0151] The following definitions of terms and determination methods apply for the above general description of the invention as well as to the below examples, unless otherwise defined.

[0152] Melt Flow Rates (MFR2, MFR21)

[0153] The melt flow rate (MFR) was determined according to ISO 1133 and is indicated in g / 10 min. The MFR was determined at 190°C for polyethylene. MFR may be determined at different loadings such as 2.16 kg (MFR2), 5 kg (MFR5), 10 kg (MFR10) or 21.6 kg (MFR21).

[0154] The flow rate ratio (FRR) is calculated as the ratio of the melt flow rates at different loadings. The FRR 21 / 2 is the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2.

[0155] Density

[0156] Density of the polymer was measured according to ISO 1183-1 , Method B (density by balance at 23°C) on compression molded specimen prepared according to EN ISO 1872-2 (February 2007) and is given in kg / m3.

[0157] The density of the composition can be calculated from the densities of components (A) and (B) according to: densitycomp= (densityA■ wtA) + (densityB- wtB) with densitycomp = density of the mixed plastics polyethylene composition densityA = density of the resin (A) wtA = weight fraction of blend (A) in the mixed plastics polyethylene composition densitys = density of the blend (B) wtB = weight fraction of blend (B) in the mixed plastics polyethylene composition.

[0158] Tensile Modulus

[0159] Tensile modulus (E-Mod (MPa)) was measured in machine direction (MD) and / or transverse direction (TD) according to ISO 527-3 on film samples prepared as described under the Film Sample preparation with film thickness of 40 pm and at a cross head speed of 1 mm / min for the modulus.

[0160] Haze

[0161] Haze was measured according to ASTM D1003-00 on film samples prepared as described under the Film Sample preparation with film thickness of 40 pm.

[0162] Quantification of C2, iPP (continuous C3), LDPE and polyethylene short chain branches in polyethylene based recyclates and determination of ethylene content in virgin polyethylene resins

[0163] Quantitative13C{1H} NMR spectra were recorded in the solution-state using a Bruker Avance II 400MHz NMR spectrometer operating at 400.15 and 100.62 MHz for1H and13C respectively. All spectra were recorded using a13C optimized 10 mm extended temperature probehead at 125°C using nitrogen gas for all pneumatics. Approximately 200 mg of material was dissolved in 3 ml of 7,2-tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE-cfe) along with chromium-(lll)-acetylacetonate (Cr(acac)s) resulting in a 65 mM solution of relaxation agent in solvent {singhOO} . To ensure a homogenous solution, after initial sample preparation in a heat block, the NMR tube was further heated in a rotatory oven for at least 1 hour. Upon insertion into the magnet the tube was spun at 10 Hz. This setup was chosen primarily for the high resolution and quantitatively needed for accurate ethylene content quantification. Standard single-pulse excitation was employed without NOE, using an optimized tip angle, 1 s recycle delay and a bi-level WALTZ16 decoupling scheme {zhou07,busico07}. A total of 6144 (6k) transients were acquired per spectra.

[0164] Quantitative13C{1H} NMR spectra were processed, integrated and relevant quantitative properties determined from the integrals using proprietary computer programs. All chemical shifts were indirectly referenced to the central methylene group of the ethylene block (EEE) at 30.00 ppm using the chemical shift of the solvent. Characteristic signals corresponding to polyethylene with different short chain branches (B1 , B2, B4, B5, B6plus) and polypropylene were observed {randall89, brandoliniOO}.

[0165] Characteristic signals corresponding to the presence of polyethylene containing isolated B1 branches (starBI 33.3 ppm), isolated B2 branches (starB2 39.8 ppm), isolated B4 branches (twoB4 23.4 ppm), isolated B5 branches (threeB5 32.8 ppm), all branches longer than 4 carbons (starB4plus 38.3 ppm) and the third carbon from a saturated aliphatic chain end (3s 32.2 ppm) were observed. The intensity of the combined ethylene backbone methine carbons (ddg) containing the polyethylene backbone carbons (dd 30.0 ppm), y-carbons (g 29.6 ppm) the 4s and the threeB4 carbon (to be compensated for later on) is taken between 30.9 ppm and 29.3 ppm excluding the T from polypropylene. The amount of C2 related carbons was quantified using all mentioned signals according to the following equation: fCcaotai = (Iddg -ltwoB4) + (lstarB1*6) + (lstarB2*7) + (ltwoB4*9) + l(threeB5*10) + ((lstarB4plus-ltwoB4-lthreeB5)*7) + (I3s*3)

[0166] Characteristic signals corresponding to the presence of polypropylene (iPP, continuous C3)) were observed at 46.7 ppm, 29.0 ppm and 22.0 ppm. The amount of PP related carbons was quantified using the integral of Saa at 46.6 ppm: fCpp = Isaa * 3

[0167] The weight percent of the C2 fraction and the polypropylene can be quantified according following equations:

[0168] Wtc2fraction = fCc2total 100 I (fCc2total + fCpp)

[0169] Wtpp = fCpp * 1 00 / (fCc2total + fCpp)

[0170] Characteristic signals corresponding to various short chain branches were observed and their weight percentages quantified as the related branch would be an alpha-olefin, starting by quantifying the weight fraction of each: fwtC2 = fCcaotai - ((lstarB1*3) - (lstarB2*4) - (ltwoB4*6) - (lthreeB5*7) fwtC3 (isolated C3) = Istar B1 *3 fwtC4 = lstarB2*4 fwtC6 = ltwoB4*6 fwtC7 = lthreeB5*7

[0171] Normalization of all weight fractions leads to the amount of weight percent for all related branches: fsumwt.-%totai = fwtC2 + fwtC3 + fwtC4 + fwtC6 + fwtC7 + fCpp wtC2total = fwtC2 * 100 / fsumwt.-%totai wtC3total = fwtC3 * 100 / fsumwt.-%totai wtC4total = fwtC4 * 100 / fsumwt.-%totai wtC6total = fwtC6 * 100 / fsumwt.-%totai wtC7total = fwtC7 * 100 / fsumwt.-%totai

[0172] The content of LDPE can be estimated assuming the B5 branch, which only arises from ethylene being polymerized under high pressure process, being almost constant in LDPE. We found the average amount of B5 if quantified as C7 at 1 .46 wt.-%. With this assumption it is possible to estimate the LDPE content within certain ranges (approximately between 20 wt.-% and 80 wt.-%), which are depending on the SNR ratio of the threeB5 signal: wt.-% LDPE = wtC7total * 100 / 1 .46

[0173] References: zhou07 Zhou, Z., Kuemmerle, R., Qiu, X., Redwine, D., Cong, R., Taha, A., Baugh, D. Winniford, B., J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225. busico07 Busico, V., Carbonniere, P., Cipullo, R., Pellecchia, R., Severn, J., Talarico, G., Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 1128. singh09 Singh, G., Kothari, A., Gupta, V., Polymer Testing 28 5 (2009), 475. randall89 J. Randall, Macromol. Sci., Rev. Macromol. Chem. Phys. 1989, C29,

[0174] 201. brandoliniOO A. J. Brandolini, D. D. Hills, NMR Spectra of Polymers and Polymer Additives, Marcel Dekker Inc., 2000.

[0175] Gel content and gel index

[0176] The gel content was measured via gel count with a gel counting apparatus consisting of a measuring extruder, ME 25 / 5200 V1 , 25*25D, with five temperature conditioning zones adjusted to a temperature profile of 170 / 180 / 190 / 190 / 190°C, an adapter and a slit die (with an opening of 0.5 * 150 mm). Attached to this were a chill roll unit (with a diameter of 13 cm with a temperature set of 50°C), a line camera (CCD 4096 pixel for dynamic digital processing of grey tone images) and a winding unit.

[0177] For the gel count measurements, the materials were extruded at a screw speed of 30 rounds per minute, a drawing speed of 3-3.5 m / min and a chill roll temperature of 50°C to make thin cast films with a thickness of 70 pm and a width of approximately 110 mm. The resolution of the camera is 25 pm x 25 pm on the film. The camera works in transmission mode with a constant grey value (auto. set. margin level = 170). The system is able to decide between 256 grey values from black = 0 to white = 256. For detecting gels, a sensitivity level dark of 25% is used. For each material the average number of gel dots on a film surface area of 10 m2was inspected by the line camera. The line camera was set to differentiate the gel dot size according to the following:

[0178] Gel size (the size of the longest dimension of a gel)

[0179] Size class 1 : 100 to 299 pm

[0180] Size class 2: 300 pm to 599 pm

[0181] Size class 3: 600 pm to 999 pm

[0182] Size class 4: 1000 pm and more

[0183] The gel counts for the gels of the different size classes were measured and are given as counts per m2. They represent the gel content of the respective size classes. The total gel content is the sum of these gel contents.

[0184] For the determination of the gel index, the counts in the respective size classes were multiplied with a particular weigh factor as given below. The sum of the counts of each size class multiplied with the weight factor represents the gel index (Gl).

[0185] Size class 1 : 100 to 299 pm weight factor: 0.1

[0186] Size class 2: 300 pm to 599 pm weight factor: 1 .0

[0187] Size class 3: 600 pm to 999 pm weight factor: 5.0

[0188] Size class 4: 1000 pm and more weight factor: 10.0

[0189] Example:

[0190] Size class 1 : 17 counts x weight factor: 0.1 = 1.7

[0191] Size class 2: 5 counts x weight factor: 1 .0 = 5.0

[0192] Size class 3: 2 counts x weight factor: 5.0 = 10.0

[0193] Size class 4: 0 counts x weight factor: 10.0 = 0.0 gel index (Gl) = sum = 16.7

[0194] Relative gel index (RGD

[0195] The relative gel index (RGl) is calculated from the gel index of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition and the gel index of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) according to the formula

[0196] GI( Composition)

[0197] RGl = 1

[0198] GI(blend (B))

[0199] Limonene measurement

[0200] Limonene quantification was carried out using solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME- GC-MS) by standard addition.

[0201] 50 mg ground samples were weighed into 20 mL headspace vials and after the addition of limonene in different concentrations and a glass-coated magnetic stir bar. The vial was closed with a magnetic cap lined with silicone / PTFE. Micro capillaries (10 pL) were used to add diluted limonene standards of known concentrations to the sample. Addition of 0, 2, 20 and 100 ng equals 0 mg / kg, 0.1 mg / kg, 1 mg / kg and 5 mg / kg limonene, in addition standard amounts of 6.6 mg / kg, 11 mg / kg and 16.5 mg / kg limonene were used in combination with some of the samples tested in this application. For quantification, ion 93 acquired in SIM mode was used. Enrichment of the volatile fraction was carried out by headspace solid phase micro-extraction with a 2 cm stable flex 50 / 30 pm DVB / Carboxen / PDMS fibre at 60 °C for 20 minutes. Desorption was carried out directly in the heated injection port of a GCMS system at 270 °C.

[0202] GCMS Parameters:

[0203] Column: 30 m HP 5 MS 0.25*0.25

[0204] Injector: Splitless with 0.75 mm SPME Liner, 270 °C

[0205] Temperature program: -10°C (1 min)

[0206] Carrier gas: Helium 5.0, 31 cm / s linear velocity, constant flow

[0207] MS: Single quadrupole, direct interface, 280 °C interface temperature Acquisition: SIM scan mode Scan parameter: 20-300 amu

[0208] SIM Parameter: m / Z 93, 100 ms dwell time

[0209] Film sample preparation The test films consisting of the inventive compositions and respective comparative compositions of 40 pm thickness, were prepared using a Collin 30 lab scale mono layer blown film line. The film samples were produced at 190 °C, a 1 :2.5 blow-up ratio, a frostline distance of 120 mm and an uptake speed of 7.6 m / min. Blending was done in a ZSK 18 twin screw extruder.

[0210] 2. Experiments

[0211] Materials used

[0212] Blend (B) as mixed-plastics recycling blend NAV 198-1 was used. NAV 198-1 is a post-consumer recyclate blend of low density comprising 10 wt.-% virgin linear low density polyethylene, available from Ecoplast Kunststoffrecycling GmbH. The properties of NAV 198-1 are shown in Table A:

[0213] Table A: Properties of NAV 198-1 n.c. = not calculable, i.e. below detection limit

[0214] PE (A) virgin low density polyethylene, produced as homopolymer in a high pressure process and having a density of 915 kg / m3(ISO 1183) and a melt flow rate MFR2 of 15 g / 10 min (ISO1133, 2.16 kg, 190°C), a melt flow rate MFR21 of 488 g / 10 min (ISO113, 21.6 kg, 190°C), commercially available as CA9150 from Borealis. POX A polypropylene-based peroxide masterbatch containing 5 wt.-% of 2,5- Dimethyl 2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy) hexane (commercial name Trigonox® 101 , produced and supplied by Nouryon Polymer chemistry) was used as the radical initiator.

[0215] P reparation and properties of examples CE1, CE2, IE1 and IE2

[0216] For the compositions of CE2 and IE2 blend (B) was premixed with POX in a high speed mixer, then the mixture was stored at room temperature overnight in a tight container, to let the pellets to soak the radical initiator masterbatch completely.

[0217] The compounding was done in a ZSK 18 twin screw extruder, the screw speed was 120 rpm, at temperature T1 =170 °C, T2=205 °C, T3=210 °C, and melt T=210 °C. The production rate was 7 kg / h. The melt was cooled and pelletized.

[0218] Blown film samples and cast film samples were prepared from the pellets of the compositions of examples CE1 , CE2, IE1 and IE2 as described above.

[0219] Tensile modulus, DDI and haze were measured on said blown film samples.

[0220] Gel count was measured on cast film samples.

[0221] The compositions and the properties of examples CE1 , CE2, IE1 and IE2 are listed in Table 1 below.

[0222] Table 1 Compositions and the properties of examples CE1 , CE2, IE1 and IE2

[0223] n.m. = not measured

[0224] Inventive example IE1 comprising 15.0 wt.-% PE (A) shows an improved balance of properties in regard of improved gel count and improved haze at comparable mechanical properties compared to comparative examples CE1 and CE2.

[0225] For further significantly improving the gel count the radical initiator POX has been added to IE2 at the cost of slightly impaired haze and a small increase of gels of size class 3.

Claims

Claims1 . A mixed-plastics polyethylene composition having• a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.50 to 5.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.75 to 4.00 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; and• a density from 913.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, preferably from 915.0 to 928.0 kg / m3, more preferably from 916.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; obtainable by blending and extruding components comprising a) 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-%, preferably 4.95 to 27.50 wt.-%, more preferably 9.95 to 23.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a virgin polyethylene resin (A), wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 1 .0 to 75 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2.5 to 50 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a density of from 905.0 to 935.0 kg / m3, preferably from 910.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 912.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 98.00 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably from 99.50 to 100 wt.- %, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; and a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, preferably from 25 to 100, more preferably from 27 to 75; and b) 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-%, preferably 70.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably 75.00 to 90.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), wherein from 80.00 to 97.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 95.00 wt.-% , more preferably from 87.00 to 93.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste; and wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.30 to 4.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.50 to 3.50 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg;a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 15 to 40, preferably from 17 to 37, more preferably from 20 to 35; a density of from 910.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, preferably from 912.0 to 922.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 915.0 to 920.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; and a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 80.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 94.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 87.50 to 94.00 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement, wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 as the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

2. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to claim 1 , wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher melt flow rate MFR2 than mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and / or a higher melt flow rate MFR21 than mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B).

3. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) has a melt flow rate MFR21 of from 25 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 40 to 85 g / 10 min, more preferably from 50 to 75 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21.6 kg.

4. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) comprises:• a total amount of continuous units having 3 carbon atoms corresponding to polypropylene (continuous C3 units) of from 1 .50 to 7.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 2.00 to 6.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 3.00 to 5.50 wt.-%;• a total amount of units having 3 carbon atoms as isolated C3 units (isolated C3 units) of from 0.00 to 0.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.00 to 0.35 wt.-%, most preferably from 0.00 to 0.25 wt.-%;• a total amount of units having 4 carbon atoms (C4 units) of from 0.10 to 3.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.25 to 3.00 wt.-%, most preferably from 0.50 to 2.50 wt.-%;• a total amount of units having 6 carbon atoms (C6 units) of from 1 .50 to 7.50 wt.-%, more preferably from 2.00 to 6.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 3.00 to 5.50 wt.-%;• a total amount of units having 7 carbon atoms (C7 units) of from 0.00 to 0.25 wt.-%, of from 0.00 to 0.20 wt.-%, most preferably of from 0.00 to 0.15 wt.-%, and• a LDPE content of from 0.00 to 0.25 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.00 to 0.20 wt.-%, most preferably from 0.00 to 0.15 wt.-%, wherein the total amounts of C2 units, continuous C3 units, isolated C3 units, C4 units, C6 units, C7 units and LDPE content are based on the total weight amount of monomer units in the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and are measured or calculated according to quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement.

5. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) comprises a high pressure low density polyethylene in an amount of from 95.00 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably from 98.50 to 100 wt.-% based on the overall weight of the virgin polyethylene resin (A), and preferably has a melt flow rate MFR21 of from 30 to 1000 g / 10 min, preferably from 100 to 850 g / 10 min, more preferably from 250 to 650 g / 10 min, even more preferably from 400 to 550 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg.

6. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising from 0 to 5.0 wt.-%, preferably from 0.0001 to 3.5 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.001 to 2.5 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a radical initiator, optionally in form of a masterbatch in the presence of a carrier polymer.

7. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising from 60.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, preferably from 65.0 to 90.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 70.0 to 85.0 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of components originating from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste.

8. The mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 having one or more or all of the following properties:• a melt flow rate MFR21 of from 25 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 35 to 85 g / 10 min, more preferably from 50 to 75 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 21 .6 kg;• a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 10 to 60, preferably from 15 to 50, more preferably from 20 to 40.

9. A process for preparing the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising the steps of: a) 1 .00 to 39.00 wt.-%, preferably 4.95 to 27.50 wt.-%, more preferably 9.95 to 23.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a virgin polyethylene resin (A), wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.5 to 100 g / 10 min, preferably from 1 .0 to 75 g / 10 min, more preferably from 2.5 to 50 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a density of from 905.0 to 935.0 kg / m3, preferably from 910.0 to 930.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 912.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 97.50 to 100 wt.-%, preferably from 98.00 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably from 99.50 to 100 wt.- %, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement; and a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 20 to 120, preferably from 25 to 100, more preferably from 27 to 75; and b) 60.00 to 99.00 wt.-%, preferably 70.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, more preferably 75.00 to 90.00 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition, of a mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B), wherein from 80.00 to 97.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 95.00 wt.-% , more preferably from 87.00 to 93.00 wt.-% of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) originates from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste; and wherein the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) hasa melt flow rate MFR2 of from 0.30 to 4.00 g / 10 min, preferably from 0.50 to 3.50 g / 10 min, more preferably from 1 .00 to 3.00 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and 2.16 kg; a flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2, being the ratio of MFR21 / MFR2, of from 15 to 40, preferably from 17 to 37, more preferably from 20 to 35; a density of from 910.0 to 925.0 kg / m3, preferably from 912.0 to 922.0 kg / m3, most preferably from 915.0 to 920.0 kg / m3, determined according to ISO 1183; and a total amount of ethylene units (C2 units) of from 80.00 to 95.00 wt.-%, preferably from 85.00 to 94.50 wt.-%, most preferably from 87.50 to 94.00 wt.-%, determined by quantitative13C{1H} NMR measurement, wherein the virgin polyethylene resin (A) has a higher flow rate ratio FRR21 / 2 as the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B). c) optionally providing a radical initiator, optionally in form of a masterbatch in the presence of a carrier polymer, in an amount of from 0 to 5.0 wt.-%, preferably from 0.0001 to 3.5 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.001 to 2.5 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the composition; d) melting and mixing the blend of the virgin polyethylene resin (A), the mixed- plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) and optionally the radical initiator in an extruder, optionally a twin screw extruder, and e) optionally pelletizing the obtained mixed-plastics polyethylene composition.

10. An article comprising the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, preferably in an amount of from 90 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably from 95 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the article.11 . The article according to claim 10 being a film, preferably a cast film or a blown film.

12. The article according to claim 11 having a film thickness of from 5 to 150 pm, preferably from 10 to 125 pm, more preferably from 20 to 100 pm.

13. The article according to claims 11 or 12 having one or more or all of the following properties:• a gel index of from 5,000 to 25,000, preferably from 6,500 to 24,000, more preferably from 7,500 to 22,500;• a gel content having a size of from 100 to 299 pm of from 500,000 to 3,250,000 I m2, preferably from 750,000 to 3,100,000 I m2, more preferably from 1 ,000,000 to 3, 000, 000 / m2;• a gel content having a size of from 300 to 599 pm of from 2,500 to 35,0001 m2, preferably from 5,000 to 32,000 I m2, more preferably from 7,500 to 30,000 / m2;• a gel content having a size of from 600 to 999 pm of from 0 to 25 / m2, preferably from 0 to 20 / m2, more preferably from 0 to 15 / m2;• a gel content having a size of 1000 pm and more of from 0 to 10 / m2, preferably from 0 to 5 / m2, more preferably from 0 to 2 / m2, all determined by a gel counting apparatus on cast films with a thickness of 70 pm and a width of approximately 110 mm.

14. The article according to claim 13 having a relative gel index RGI of from 0.10 to0.90, preferably from 0.15 to 0.75, more preferably from 0.17 to 0.65, wherein the RGI is calculated from the gel index of the mixed-plastics polyethylene composition and the gel index of the mixed-plastics polyethylene recycling blend (B) according to the formula15. The article according to any one of claims 12 to 14 having one or more or all of the following properties:• a tensile modulus in machine direction of from 100 to 400 MPa, preferably from 125 to 350 MPa, more preferably from 140 to 300 MPa, determined according to ISO 527-3;• a tensile modulus in transverse direction of from 100 to 400 MPa, preferably from 125 to 350 MPa, more preferably from 140 to 300 MPa, determined according to ISO 527-3;• haze of from 10% to 50%, preferably from 15% to 45%, more preferably from 20% to 40%, determined according to ASTM D1003; wherein all properties are measured on blown films having a thickness of 40 pm.

16. Use of a mixed-plastics polyethylene composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the production of a film, preferably for the production of a packaging film, with an amount of from 60.0 to 95.0 wt.-%, preferably from 65.0 to 90.0 wt.-%, more preferably from 70.0 to 85.0 wt.-%, based on the overall weight of the film, of components originating from post-consumer waste and / or post-industrial waste.

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