Polyethylene
Polyethylene (PE), often called polythene, is one of the world’s most popular plastics. Polyethylene can be found in a huge range of products ranging from clear food wrap and shopping bags to detergent bottles and car fuel tanks. Polyethylene is produced in two version low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
LDPE
LDPE is very flexible with a melting point of approximately 110°C. Its main uses are in packaging film, rubbish and grocery bags, cable insulation, squeezable bottles, toys, and various housewares.
LDPE properties: it is semi-rigid, translucent, very tough, weatherproof, good chemical resistance, low water absorption and low cost. The plastic recycling code of LDPE is #4.
HDPE
HDPE a dense, highly crystalline material of high strength and moderate stiffness. HDPE has a higher melting point more than LDPE, it can withstand repeated exposure to 120°C, this means that it can be sterilized. Typical uses are in blow-moulded bottles, grocery bags, construction film, injection-moulded caps, appliance housings and toys.
HDPE properties: it is flexible, translucent or waxy in appearance, weatherproof, good low temperature toughness (to -60’C), low cost and has good chemical resistance. The plastic recycling code number of HDPE is #2.
Further information on our range of polyethylene products is available on request, please call if you have specific needs or would like advice on material choices.
MSDS and product data sheets available on request