9 the polyethylene film extrusion industry in europe introduction represents one of largest individual plastics processing sectors 2005 it accounted for over 7 4 million tonnes polymer representing around 20 total european market major part demand is by use conventional low density approximately 48 but other grades such as linear hdpe mdpe and metallocene have been increasing at more rapid rates resins now account 38 materials processed extruders with accounting remainder excluded from figures are 720 000 reclaimed material which also being used development films highly successful substituting paper cellulose aluminium due to its superior characteristics than two thirds consumption production flexible packaging however sector reaching a degree maturity recent years challenging although volume has increased done so much lower
