Polyethylene (PE) is the world’s most widely used plastic. Made by polymerising ethylene, it is tough, lightweight, moisture-proof and chemically resistant. By changing the way the polymer chains are arranged, manufacturers get grades ranging from rigid HDPE to soft, flexible LDPE and strong, stretchy LLDPE.
Excellent moisture barrier and chemical resistance
Good toughness, even at low temperatures
Easy to process by film blowing, moulding and extrusion
Recyclable
Compare
HDPE vs LDPE vs LLDPE
Property
HDPE
LDPE
LLDPE
Density (g/cm³)
0.941 – 0.965
0.910 – 0.940
0.915 – 0.925
Stiffness
High
Low
Medium
Flexibility
Low
High
High
Tensile / puncture strength
High
Moderate
High
Clarity (film)
Low – opaque
Good
Moderate
Resin ID code
2
4
4
Typical ranges. Grade-specific data is available on request.