High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE, is a “thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene,” according to Wikipedia. HDPE is recyclable, and is known to produce a strong, corrosion-resistant end product. Depending on how it is processed, it is able to withstand high temperatures to produce an abrasion-and-chemical resistant end product.
Injection Molding, Blow Molding and Pipe Extrusion
HDPE is used in a variety of processes for household and industrial use such as injection molding, blow molding and even pipe extrusion.
Examples of household end products produced with these methods include:
- Milk jugs
- Pails and containers
- Toys
- Bottles
- Caps
- Plastic mailing envelopes
Examples of industrial products that may be used with this monomer are:
- Buckets and lids (of course)
- Pipes such as conduit, corrugated and pressure pipes
- Industrial containers, drums, liquid containers
- Storm drains
- Disposable suits
Industries that Benefit from HDPE Products
Since high density polyethylene can be FDA-compliant for food usage, food and beverage industries are able to use buckets and lids produced using compliant resins. End products for the food and beverage industry include packaging for shipping and for mixing and storing food, such as Affordable American Containers buckets and lids.
Additional industries that benefit from HDPE products are:
- Healthcare
- Automotive
- Utilities
- Household
- Industrial
- Agriculture
- Toys
- Personal Care, Cosmetics
Due to the nature of high density polyethylene, it is strong enough to withstand temperatures for sterilization. DKM Manufacturing makes the spec sheets, such as this one for our 5 gallon buckets, available to our customers. If you have a specific requirement, let us know.
Recyclability of End Products Created Using HDPE
HDPE has a plastic recycling code of 2, which is beneficial when some of the end products include bottles for milk and household cleaners.
Why So Popular?
Because products made with HDPE are long-lasting, strong and easy to maintain, it has become a popular ingredient. In addition, the ability to recycle products made with this resin helps it be identified as an environmentally sound choice when making plastic products.
Learn more by reading the links below.
Additional Reading
- What is HDPE? | Understanding High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – Instrumentation Engineering (instrumentationengg.com)
- High Density Polyethylene – Structure, Properties, and Uses (byjus.com)
- High-density polyethylene | HDPE plastic | Britannica
- High-density polyethylene – Wikipedia
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Shell United States
