As a supplier of Green PE Laminated Viscose, I've seen firsthand the growing popularity of this material in various industries. Its eco - friendly reputation and versatility have made it a go - to choice for many applications. However, like any product, it's not without its drawbacks. In this blog, I'll delve into the disadvantages of Green PE Laminated Viscose to provide a balanced view for potential buyers.
1. Environmental Concerns Despite the "Green" Label
The term "Green" in Green PE Laminated Viscose gives the impression of an environmentally friendly product. While it is true that viscose is a natural fiber derived from wood pulp, the polyethylene (PE) lamination presents a problem. PE is a type of plastic, and plastics are notorious for their long - term environmental impact.
Plastic waste is a global crisis, and even though Green PE Laminated Viscose is designed to be more sustainable, the PE component can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. When these products end up in the environment, they can break down into microplastics, which are harmful to wildlife and can enter the food chain. According to a study by the United Nations Environment Programme, microplastics have been found in various ecosystems, from the deepest parts of the ocean to the Arctic ice.
Moreover, the production of PE requires significant amounts of fossil fuels. The extraction and processing of these fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major cause of climate change. So, while the viscose part of the material is renewable, the PE lamination undermines the overall environmental friendliness of the product.
2. Limited Breathability
One of the key disadvantages of Green PE Laminated Viscose is its limited breathability. Viscose itself is known for its good breathability, as it allows air to pass through the fabric, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. However, when it is laminated with PE, this property is compromised.
The PE layer acts as a barrier, preventing air from circulating freely through the fabric. This can be a major issue in applications where breathability is crucial, such as in clothing or bedding. For example, if someone wears a garment made of Green PE Laminated Viscose in a hot and humid environment, they are likely to feel sweaty and uncomfortable because the fabric cannot wick away moisture effectively.
In the medical field, where breathable materials are often required for patient comfort, the limited breathability of this material can be a drawback. For instance, in wound dressings, poor breathability can lead to a moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
3. Durability Issues
Although Green PE Laminated Viscose is relatively strong, it has some durability issues. The lamination process can weaken the viscose fibers over time, especially when exposed to repeated stress or friction.
In industrial applications, such as in packaging or filtration, the material may not hold up well under heavy use. The PE layer can start to peel off from the viscose, reducing the effectiveness of the product. For example, in a packaging material, if the lamination separates, it can compromise the integrity of the package, leading to damage to the contents inside.
In addition, Green PE Laminated Viscose may not be suitable for high - abrasion environments. The viscose fibers can wear out quickly, and the PE layer may also get scratched or torn. This can limit its use in applications where durability is a top priority, such as in workwear or outdoor equipment.
4. Higher Cost
Compared to some other non - laminated viscose or non - woven materials, Green PE Laminated Viscose is generally more expensive. The lamination process adds an extra step to the production, which increases the cost of manufacturing.
The cost of the raw materials, especially the PE, also contributes to the higher price. As a supplier, I understand that cost is a major factor for many buyers. When companies are looking for materials for their products, they often consider the cost - effectiveness.
For small businesses or startups with limited budgets, the higher cost of Green PE Laminated Viscose can be a significant barrier. They may opt for cheaper alternatives, even if they are not as environmentally friendly or have other limitations. This can make it difficult for Green PE Laminated Viscose to gain wider market acceptance.
5. Recycling Challenges
While the idea of recycling Green PE Laminated Viscose is appealing, in practice, it is quite challenging. The combination of viscose and PE creates a complex material that is difficult to separate into its individual components.
Most recycling facilities are not equipped to handle laminated materials. The different properties of viscose and PE make it hard to recycle them together. As a result, a large portion of Green PE Laminated Viscose products end up in landfills instead of being recycled.
Even if the separation process could be developed, it would require significant investment in new technology and infrastructure. This would further increase the cost of recycling, making it an unfeasible option for many recycling facilities.
6. Compatibility with Other Materials
In some applications, Green PE Laminated Viscose may not be compatible with other materials. For example, in the textile industry, when it comes to dyeing or printing, the PE layer can pose problems. The PE may not absorb dyes in the same way as viscose, resulting in uneven color distribution.
In the manufacturing of composite materials, the lamination may not bond well with other substances. This can limit its use in creating hybrid products that combine different materials for enhanced performance. For instance, in the production of automotive interiors, if Green PE Laminated Viscose cannot be properly integrated with other materials, it may not be a suitable choice.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Despite these disadvantages, Green PE Laminated Viscose still has its place in the market. It offers certain benefits, such as enhanced strength and water resistance, which make it suitable for specific applications. If you are considering using Green PE Laminated Viscose for your project, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
If you have any questions about the material, its properties, or how it can be used in your specific application, I encourage you to reach out to me. We can have a detailed discussion about your requirements and see if Green PE Laminated Viscose is the right fit for you. You can find more information about Green PE Laminated Viscose, non woven fabric lamination and Three - Layer Laminated Hydrophilic PP+PE+PP on our website. Let's start a conversation and explore the possibilities together.
References
- United Nations Environment Programme. (Year). The State of Global Plastic Waste.
- Various industry reports on non - woven and laminated materials.