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Automotive

Today’s vehicles rely on thousands of automotive plastic parts and that number is growing as manufacturers adopt automotive polymers like HDPE and LLDPE to improve part performance, reduce weight and support sustainability goals. At Shell Polymers, we provide high-quality resins that empower converters to produce durable, efficient plastic car parts—while supporting the adoption of new technologies and adaptation to fast-moving trends in automotive manufacturing.

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The plastics industry is evolving rapidly—and staying ahead of emerging trends is key to maintaining a competitive edge. In the Shell Polymers 2025 Trend Report, we explore the top developments, risks, and growth opportunities impacting converters today, including those directly shaping the automotive manufacturing space.

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Product summary

View blow molding product details

Product Melt index Density Product details
Shell Polymers HDPE 46BG6HLU 6.0 HL 0.946 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 48BG9HL 9.0 HL 0.948 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 55B035 0.35 0.955 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 55B035A 0.35 0.955 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 63B072 0.72 0.963 View technical properties

View injection molding product details

Product Melt index Density Product details
Shell Polymers HDPE 48N5 5.0   0.948 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 52N7 6.5 0.952 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 52N10 10.0 0.952 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 54N20 20.0 0.954 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 65N8 8.2 0.965 View technical properties

View sheet extrusion product details

Product Melt index  Density Product details
Shell Polymers HDPE 55B035S 0.35 0.955 View technical properties
Shell Polymers HDPE 63B072S 0.72 0.963 View technical properties

View safety data sheets

Document title Document
Shell Polymers HDPE View document (PDF, 318 kB)
Shell Polymers Polyethylene Wide Spec or Offspec View document (PDF, 259 kB)

Product 101

Understanding how we name our grade slates is key to selecting the right resin properties that impact everything from heat resistance and electrical insulation to fuel efficiency and part durability. Whether you're working with fiber reinforced materials or choosing among different types of plastic, our naming system helps you identify the best fit for your automotive manufacturing needs.

Graphic displaying “18F1B1.” “18” is highlighted.

Density is reflected by the first two numbers found in the product name, which is 18 in this instance. These numbers represent the last two significant digits of the density value. See examples below.

18 = 0.918 density
53 = 0.953 density
63 = 0.963 density

Related conversion processes

Injection molding and blow molding are widely used in the production of automotive plastic parts, offering the strength, precision and moisture resistance needed for demanding vehicle environments from under-the-hood components to interior systems for electric vehicles. These conversion processes help meet the evolving performance and quality standards of today’s automotive industry.

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Blow molding

Blow molded HDPE is used to make hollow products such as industrial containers and drums, liquid containers and more.

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Injection molding

Injection molded LLDPE and HDPE is used to make caps, bottle closures, toys and more.

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