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What is PE (Polyethylene)?

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family and is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide. Due to its toughness, comparatively low density and good chemical resistance, PE is used for a wide range of packaging applications.

Polyethylene is available in different types. For packaging applications, LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) are particularly important. LDPE is comparatively soft and flexible and is used, for example, for films and flexible packaging components. HDPE has a higher density and is more rigid and dimensionally stable. It is used, among other applications, for bottles, canisters and other rigid packaging.

The density of LDPE is typically around 0.91 to 0.93 g/cm³, while HDPE typically has a density of around 0.94 to 0.97 g/cm³. The different molecular structures influence not only density, but also properties such as rigidity, flexibility and temperature behaviour.

Polyethylene generally offers good resistance to many aqueous media, acids, alkalis and alcohols. However, actual chemical resistance depends on the specific PE type as well as the medium, concentration, temperature, contact time and mechanical stress. For chemical or technical filling products, suitability should therefore be assessed for the specific application.

Temperature behaviour also varies depending on the PE type, material formulation and design of the packaging product. Compared with PP, PE often retains greater toughness at low temperatures. At elevated temperatures, however, rigidity and dimensional stability may decrease. General material properties of PE therefore cannot be used to define a universally permissible temperature range for a finished bucket, cup or other packaging product.

PE is widely used for food packaging. However, the designation “PE” alone does not automatically mean that a product made from it is suitable for food contact. The specific material composition, manufacturing process and the compliance documentation available for the respective product are decisive. Our PE packaging products intended for food contact are subject to the applicable requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.

Plastic identification codes include 02 for HDPE and 04 for LDPE. PE can in principle be mechanically recycled. Whether a specific packaging product is actually recycled depends, among other factors, on its design and on the available collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure.

Product-specific information regarding material, food contact, temperature resistance and other application properties can be found on the respective product page and in the available technical documentation.

Polyethylene (PE) – typical properties at a glance

Property Typical property of PE What this means for packaging
Material group Thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family. PE is a widely used material for a broad range of flexible and rigid packaging applications.
LDPE Low Density Polyethylene: comparatively soft, flexible and extensible; typical density approximately 0.91–0.93 g/cm³. Used, for example, for films, bags and flexible packaging components.
HDPE High Density Polyethylene: higher density, more rigid and dimensionally stable than LDPE; typical density approximately 0.94–0.97 g/cm³. Used, among other applications, for bottles, canisters and other rigid packaging.
Behaviour at low temperatures PE often retains comparatively good toughness at low temperatures. Specific low-temperature suitability must nevertheless be assessed for the respective packaging product.
Behaviour at elevated temperatures Rigidity and dimensional stability may decrease as temperature increases. The permissible application temperature is product-specific and cannot be determined from the type of plastic alone.
Chemical resistance Generally good resistance to many aqueous media, acids, alkalis and alcohols. Specific suitability must be assessed according to the medium, concentration, temperature, contact time and PE type.
Food contact PE is widely used for food contact materials. The type of plastic alone does not constitute food-contact approval. Compliance of the specific product is decisive.
Processing PE can be processed using methods including extrusion, blow moulding and injection moulding. This enables the production of a wide variety of packaging forms and components.
Recycling HDPE: Code 02 · LDPE: Code 04; PE can in principle be mechanically recycled. Actual recyclability and recycling depend on the specific packaging design and the available recycling infrastructure.
Typical packaging applications Films, bags, bottles, canisters, lids and other packaging components. The different PE types enable both flexible and rigid packaging solutions.

Important

Not all PE is the same. LDPE, HDPE and other PE types differ in their molecular structure, density and material properties. The designation “polyethylene” alone therefore does not constitute approval for a specific application.

Food contact, temperature resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical performance must be assessed for the respective product and the actual conditions of use.