Structural, Mechanical, and Antibacterial Performance of ZnO ‐Reinforced Virgin and Recycled Polyethylene Films for Greenhouse Covering Applications

The need for sustainable greenhouse coverings requires films combining durability and antibacterial performance. However, information remains limited regarding greenhouse‐related aging and antibacterial functionality in recycled polyethylene films. In this study, virgin and recycled polyethylene‐based composite films containing 1 wt% ZnO (FP‐X2 and rFP‐X2) were fabricated via film extrusion for greenhouse covering applications, and their structural, antibacterial, mechanical, and morphological properties were systematically evaluated under aging conditions. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of the wurtzite ZnO crystalline phase in both polymer matrices, while recycling did not significantly alter the crystalline structure. Antibacterial assays revealed that ZnO‐containing films exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , with recycled films demonstrating performance comparable to that of their virgin counterparts. Tensile and accelerated aging results indicated that although mechanical properties varied depending on environmental exposure, both films maintained macro‐scale surface integrity. Recycled films exhibited lower tensile strength but retained comparable antibacterial functionality. Rather than developing a new formulation, this study provides an application‐oriented evaluation of previously optimized virgin and recycled PE/ZnO films under greenhouse‐related aging and antibacterial conditions. The findings support recycled polyethylene as a sustainable alternative for greenhouse covering applications.