Polythene is one of the most popular plastics in the world. It is a versatile polymer suitable for a wide range of applications, from heavy-duty moisture barrier films for new construction to lightweight, flexible bags and films.

Two main types of PE are used in the film and flexible packaging sector – LDPE (low density), typically used for pallets and heavy duty films such as long-life bags and sacks, polyethylene tunnels, protective films, food bags, etc. and HDPE (high density), For most thin-gauge totes, fresh produce bags, and some bottles and caps.

There are other variants of these two main types. All products have good vapor or moisture barrier properties and are chemically inert.

By changing polyethylene formulations and specifications, producers/processors can adjust impact and tear resistance; clarity and feel; flexibility, formability, and coating/laminating/printing capabilities. PE can be recycled, and many garbage bags, agricultural films, and long-life products such as park benches, bollards, and litter boxes use recycled polyethylene. Due to its high calorific value, PE offers excellent energy recovery through clean incineration.

Looking to buy HDPE?

application
Chemical barrels, plastic jars, glass bottles, toys, picnic utensils, household and kitchen utensils, cable insulation, tote bags, food packaging materials.

characteristic
Flexible, translucent/waxy, weather resistant, good low temperature toughness (to -60′C), easy to process by most methods, low cost, good chemical resistance.

physical properties
Tensile strength 0.20 – 0.40 N/mm²
Notched impact strength without break Kj/m²
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 100 – 220 x 10-6
Maximum continuous use temperature 65 oC
Density 0.944 – 0.965 g/cm3

chemical resistance
Dilute acid****
Diluted base ****
Grease ** Variable
Aliphatic hydrocarbons *
Aromatics *
Halogenated hydrocarbons *
Alcohols****

Critical * Poor ** Moderate *** Good **** Very Good

Current case studies

Garden containers made of high-density polyethylene. Low cost, high rigidity and ease of blow molding make this material a natural choice for garden furniture.

HDPE plastic bottle
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bottles are a popular packaging choice for the milk and fresh juice markets. In the UK, for example, around 4 billion HDPE feeding bottles are produced and purchased each year.

HDPE offers many benefits to manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Advantages of HDPE bottles
Recyclable: HDPE bottles are 100% recyclable, so the material can be reused

Sustainable: HDPE offers the opportunity to reintegrate recycled materials into the supply chain

Easy Lightweighting: HDPE Bottles Offer Significant Lightweighting Opportunities

Highly adaptable: the only plastic bottle that can be used as a pasteurized milk monolayer, or as a UHT or sterilized milk barrier co-extruded bottle

Ease of use: The only type of packaging that allows integrated handles and pour holes for controlled gripping and pouring

Safe and secure: The only package type that can have an external tamper-evident seal or an induction heat seal to prevent leaks, preserve product freshness, and show evidence of tampering

Commercial: HDPE bottles offer a full range of marketing opportunities, such as printing directly on the material, printing directly on the sleeve or label, and the ability to modify the shape to make it stand out on the shelf

Innovation: The ability to push boundaries and achieve new milestones through innovative use of blow molding equipment.

environmental facts
HDPE baby bottles are one of the most widely recycled packaging items in the UK, with data from Recoup showing that around 79% of HDPE baby bottles are recycled
On average, HDPE bottles in the UK are now 15% lighter than they were three years ago

However, innovative designs such as the award-winning Infini bottle mean it is now possible to reduce the weight of standard bottles by up to 25% (depending on size)

On average, HDPE bottles in the UK contain up to 15% recycled material

However, advances in technology and innovative designs of products mean that new achievements have become possible. For example, in 2013, Nampak added 30 percent recycled HDPE to its Infini milk bottles, a world first—two years ahead of the industry target.