No sales to private individuals!
Search
Cart

What is PE (Polyethylene)?

What is PE (Polyethylene)? Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin group and, along with polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is one of the most widely used packaging materials worldwide. It is produced by the polymerization of ethylene and is characterized by high toughness, chemical resistance, and impact strength.

There are different types of polyethylene that vary in density and molecular structure: LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene): Soft, flexible, and highly stretchable. With a density of about 0.91–0.93 g/cm³, it is commonly used for films, bags, and flexible lids. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene): Harder, stiffer, and more dimensionally stable than LDPE. With a density of 0.94–0.97 g/cm³, it is ideal for rigid packaging such as cans, bottles, or pails. PE is impermeable to water, odorless, and physiologically safe, making it highly suitable for food packaging.

It is resistant to most acids, alkalis, alcohols, and aqueous salt solutions, but sensitive to strong oxidizing agents (e.g. nitric acid). The typical service temperature range is around –50 °C to +80 °C, with HDPE offering slightly higher heat resistance due to its density.

PE is fully recyclable (recycling code 02 for HDPE, 04 for LDPE) and can be tailored to specific applications through additives or coextrusion.

Polyethylene (PE) – Properties & Applications

Criterion Description Practical Relevance
Material Type Thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family, produced by polymerising ethylene. High toughness, fracture resistance and chemical stability – ideal for packaging.
Main Types LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene): soft, flexible, stretchable (density approx. 0.91–0.93 g/cm³).
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene): rigid, dimensionally stable, robust (density approx. 0.94–0.97 g/cm³). 		LDPE for films & flexible lids; HDPE for bottles, cans & buckets.
Density 0.91–0.97 g/cm³ (depending on type and processing). Lightweight with high mechanical stability.
Temperature Range Approx. –50 °C to +80 °C. HDPE offers better heat resistance; PE can become brittle at very low temperatures.
Chemical Resistance Resistant to acids, alkalis, alcohols and aqueous salt solutions; sensitive to strong oxidising agents (e.g. nitric acid). Suitable for chemically neutral media and food contact.
Sensoric Properties Waterproof, odourless and physiologically safe. Ideal for food, pharmaceutical and hygiene packaging.
Processing Methods Injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, film extrusion. Wide range of uses in packaging production.
Recyclability Fully recyclable – HDPE: Code 02, LDPE: Code 04. Supports the circular economy; single-grade sorting improves recycling quality.
Typical Applications Films, bags, bottles, cans, lids, buckets and protective packaging. Universally used across almost all industries.

Note

PE is one of the most versatile and recyclable plastics worldwide. For applications above +80 °C or in contact with strong oxidising agents, alternative materials such as PP or C-PET are recommended.

Status: 2025 · Source: Bikapack Product Management · All information without guarantee.