Polyethylene, or PE, is the most used plastic in the world, producing more than 100 million tons annually. A commodity material, its high performance and cost effectiveness give it broad appeal across industries and markets. This nonhygroscopic, opaque, semi-crystalline material can be processed by all thermoplastic methods. Besides its overall value and easy processability, additional attributes include strong resistance to moisture, low friction and good overall fatigue/wear resistance.
Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is a very flexible material commonly used in plastic film applications such as grocery or trash bags. LDPE generally has low tensile strength but high ductility.
Linear low-density polyethylene, or LLDPE, is similar to LDPE except that it is created through a less energy-intensive production process.
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, contains great strength, possesses a higher density and is an overall stiffer PE material. HDPE is commonly used in bottle packaging applications, crates, trays, bulk containers and is even in bulletproof vests.