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Production of polyethylene
The measuring method for distinguishing between green and fossil polyethylene – C14 (Carbon-14)

Production of polyethylene (PE)

The lowest common denominator of green and fossil polyethylene is ethylene (CH2=CH2). All production steps and product properties are the same, from ethylene to polyethylene. Polyethylene is obtained through polymerisation (a chemical reaction where single molecular chains are joined to longer chains) of ethylene by means of a catalyst (accelerating the chemical reaction). The raw material in fossil polyethylene is oil or gas, while the one in green polyethylene is renewable and based on for example sugar cane.

The measuring method for distinguishing between green and fossil polyethylene – C14 (Carbon-14)

All matter containing carbon can be tested using the C14-method to establish the age of the raw material in a product. Is it millions, or only a few years old? Is it fossil or renewable? The method is built on the fact that there are two different types of carbon, so called isotopes, in all living things. Plants are continuously absorbing a new addition of carbon from the air in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). The two different types of carbon are C14 (Carbon-14) and C12 (Carbon-12). The C14 undergoes a radioactive decomposition over a period of 5 730 years, while the C12 remains stable. The distribution of these two carbon isotopes in living matter is usually the same as in the atmosphere. At the point in time when an organism (plant) ceases to absorb carbon, i e dies, the amount of C14 starts to drop. By measuring the difference in the volumetric ratio between the carbon isotopes in a material, one can decide its age. Hence by using the C14-method one can establish whether the raw material of a product is of fossil (i e millions of years old) or renewable (i e only a few years old) origin.