MATERIAL GUIDE / CORE POLYMER FAMILY

High-density polyethylene

A versatile polyethylene found in rigid packaging and durable moulded products.

UNDERSTANDING HDPE

Start with the material.
Build the specification.

HDPE is used in bottles, drums and a wide range of household and industrial products. Different grades within the same polymer family have different processing and performance characteristics. A useful material brief connects the original product, colour and preparation with the intended manufacturing process. Source, condition and an agreed technical specification are important when considering recycled HDPE. The applications listed here are general industry examples; suitability is assessed for the individual grade and end use.

Typical applications

Bottles and containers
Chemical drums and jerricans
Household and kitchenware
Durable moulded products

Points to consider

Original product and polymer identity
Natural, coloured or mixed material
Intended process and grade-specific melt flow
Preparation, moisture and other contamination
Application requirements and supporting technical data

Applications describe general uses of this polymer family. A particular recycled grade still needs to be assessed against the intended process and end use. Material acceptance and supply availability are confirmed for each enquiry.

Further material reading

British Plastics Federation: HDPE ↗Plastics Recyclers Europe: HDPE recycling ↗British Plastics Federation: melt flow testing ↗

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