Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene is the most widely-consumed thermoplastic in the world by volume. We produce two types of polyethylene, namely HDPE, LDPE where:
- HDPE products are characterised by greater toughness and superior mechanical strength, coupled with higher service temperature limits.
- LDPE products are easy to process and have good strength and clarity.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is used predominately in film applications due to its toughness, flexibility, and relative transparency, making it popular for use in applications where heat sealing is necessary. LDPE also is used to manufacture some flexible lids and bottles as well as in wire and cable applications.
Properties
- Excellent resistance to acids, bases, and vegetable oils
- Toughness, flexibility, and relative transparency; good combination of properties for packaging applications requiring heat-sealing
Common Uses
- Bags for dry cleaning, newspapers, bread, frozen foods, fresh produce, and household garbage
- Shrink wrap and stretch film
- Coatings for paper milk cartons and hot and cold beverage cups
- Container lids
- Squeezable bottles (e.g., honey and mustard)
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is the most widely used type of plastic. It’s used to make many types of bottles and containers. Unpigmented bottles are translucent, have good barrier properties and stiffness, and are well suited to packaging products with a short shelf life such as food. Because HDPE has good chemical resistance, it is used for packaging many household and industrial chemicals such as detergents and bleach. Pigmented HDPE bottles have better stress crack resistance than unpigmented HDPE.
Properties
- Excellent resistance to most solvents
- Higher tensile strength compared to other forms of polyethylene
- Relatively stiff material with useful temperature capabilities
Common Uses
- Bottles for milk, water, juice, cosmetics, shampoo, dish and laundry detergents, and household cleaners
- Bags for groceries and retail purchases
- Cereal box liners