🧩 PE+BIO – Bio-based Polyethylene
(Eco-friendly and weldable plastic, obtained from renewable sources, used in modern automotive parts and sustainable applications)
🔹 What is PE+BIO
PE+BIO (Bio-based Polyethylene) is a polyethylene produced from renewable raw materials — specifically ethanol extracted from sugarcane, corn, or plant biomass.
It has the same physical and mechanical properties as conventional polyethylene (PE-HD or PE-LD), but with a carbon footprint reduced by up to 70%. The material is fully recyclable, weldable, and compatible with standard polyethylenes.
🔧 Composition
- Bio-ethylene – obtained through bioethanol fermentation.
- Identical structure to PE-HD or PE-LD (depending on the process).
- Natural additives – UV stabilizers, eco-friendly antioxidants.
- Density: 0.92–0.96 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 130 °C.
🚗 Where PE+BIO is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Exterior | Covers, guards, mudguards | Replaces PE-HD with lower CO₂ impact |
| Interior | Gaskets, covers, decorative elements | 100% recyclable, natural gloss |
| Liquid Systems | Pipes, caps, auxiliary containers | Chemically and ecologically stable |
| Aftermarket | Accessories, housings, eco-products | Perfectly compatible with standard PE |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 250 – 270 °C | Weldable identically to PE-HD / PE-LD |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 240 – 260 °C | Clean weld, smoke-free |
| Manual Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | Ideal for cracks and fine repairs |
🔩 What to Weld PE+BIO With (Material Compatibility)
Since it is chemically identical to standard polyethylene, it welds perfectly with PE-HD, PE-LD, and PE-MD.
✅ Compatible:
- PE+BIO ↔ PE-HD / PE-LD / PE-MD / PE-LLD – complete compatibility.
- PE+BIO ↔ PE+RC / Recycled PE – very good compatibility.
❌ Incompatible:
- PP, ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – different structure, will not adhere.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PE-HD or PE-LD rods depending on the base type (rigid or flexible) at a temperature of 260 °C. Cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and constant pressure guarantees a clean and durable joint.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Braskem: I’m green™ Bio-PE
- Borealis: Bornewables™ PE
- SABIC: TRUCIRCLE™ Bio-PE
- LyondellBasell: CirculenRenew™ PE
🧠 How to Identify PE+BIO
- Engraved marking: >BIO-PE<, >PE-BIO<, or >PE-GREEN<.
- Glossy, smooth surface with a slight yellowish tint.
- Yellow-blue flame, scent of plant wax.
- Softens uniformly at 260 °C, without smoke.
- Floats completely in water (density under 1 g/cm³).
🛠️ PE+BIO Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional PE+BIO welding using the same methods as for PE-HD:
- repair of covers, guards, gaskets, and eco-friendly parts;
- restoration without losing chemical integrity;
- clean, eco-friendly joints without toxic emissions.