High-Density Polyethene (HDPE) plastic is a low-cost thermoplastic polymer with a linear structure and no or low degree of branching. Formed either through the catalytic cracking of crude oil into gasoline or the modification of natural gases such as methane, ethane, and propane mix, this plastic material is manufactured at a low temperature between 70-300°C and a pressure of 10-80 bar.
Amongst the many different plastic materials, they can be classified into seven general plastic categories, each manufactured with varying combinations of resins and printed with their respective numberings for identification. The classification of different plastic materials is indicated on most of the bottom of the plastic containers, where there would be arrows rotating in a triangle around a number in the middle.
Classified as the number 2 plastic, HDPE is produced mainly using two different techniques.
Gas-Phase Polymerisation – the polymerisation of monomers in the structure of a fluidised catalyst, polymer particles, and vapourised monomers in a fluidised bed reactor
Slurry Polymerisation – the polymerisation of monomers in the formation of dispersed monomer particles.
Benefits
Transparent, cost-effective, lightweight, and extremely strong
Protect against several elements such as alcohols, dilute acids, dilute alkalis, grease, as well as solvents, including water. This plastic material is also corrosion-resistant, allowing it to resist mould, rotting, and mildew. However, it cannot protect against aromatic, aliphatic, and halogenated hydrocarbons.
They are highly flexible, making them extremely malleable for moulding into various shapes and sizes across multiple applications, such as food storage containers, milk jugs, detergent bottles, pipes, and many more.
It is industrial-grade, NSF, FDA, and USDA-approved, allowing safe contact with food products.
This plastic category is highly recyclable regardless of its form; recycled HDPE plastics are commonly used to assemble toy products.
Applications
HDPE Plastic Bags are ideal for various industries due to their high resistance feature, making them the go-to choice for creative packaging solutions. The extreme impact strength of this plastic material ensures that the inner composition of products is protected.
Here in Humi Pak, we provide other packaging solutions for food products. Click here to read our blogs to learn more about our products or watch our video here!
