Address Converter Challenges and Get a More Confident HDPE Supply
Discover how Shell Polymers is helping converters overcome common supply chain challenges.
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HDPE Plastic
A critical component of commonly used packaging, as well as plastic products such as buckets and pipes, HDPE plastic is a building block for innovation.
What Is HDPE Plastic
From food storage to piping systems, high-density polyethylene (HDPE Resin) is a versatile and popular polymer. Using HDPE in applications ensures a durable final product that is also abrasion- and chemical-resistant. So, when jobs call for complex parts that need to be strong and produced quickly, HDPE should be considered.
HDPE’s high-impact resistance and ductility are notable qualities for the resin. It’s why HDPE is often used in demanding applications like pipe protection for oil and gas transportation or automotive fuel tanks. Plus, HDPE’s high drop impact resistance means the part won’t break if dropped during use.
The high resistance level of HDPE also gives converters a measure of reassurance. HDPE can withstand high-and low-temperature treatment, so it won’t melt, corrode, or freeze. This provides converters with a plastic that can withstand the high temperatures of PE converting processes like injection molding.
Applications for HDPE
From food packaging that extends the shelf life of fresh fruits and veggies to pressure pipes that build the foundation of your local restaurant, HDPE is used in a variety of industries as a durable, cost-effective option. These can include end uses such as:
Benefits of HDPE Plastic
Polyethylene has several properties that can set it apart, including density and molecular weight. For example, HDPE can be purchased in a variety of melt indexes and densities. This allows converters to leverage different grades of PE in the many types of end-uses they produce.
In addition to rigid, molded applications like bottles and buckets, HDPE’s moisture, chemical, and abrasion resistance make it ideal for packaging for delicate products such as electronics, where exposure to outside contaminants could damage the product’s functionality.
One of HDPE’s most lauded features is its resistance to outside chemicals and solvents. This is because HDPE is semi-crystalline, which means it naturally has higher chemical resistance. Because of this, polyethylene is often used to mold complex and durable components that won’t easily degrade due to chemical issues. End products like roll-out carts, pails, and bins must be made to withstand moisture, mold, mildew, rust, and odors, lasting for years due to HDPE’s chemical resistance.
