HDPE plastics : Uses and Benefits
High-density polyethylene (in Malaysia) also known as HDPE, is a type of plastic that’s widely used for both industrial and commercial products. This is due to the vast benefits and the versatility of the HDPE that makes it a common plastic used in everyday items.
To go into more detail, the HDPE is one of the many types of polyethylene. Polyethylene is made from natural gases or crude oil that is processed to create this plastic. Although both resources are finite and would not be considered sustainable, the HDPE is actually a thermoplastic, which means it can be melted again into liquid and reused to produce other HDPE products. The HDPE is a versatile plastic with a myriad of uses and applications, making it a popular choice for both industrial and commercial products.
Benefits of HDPE plastic
The HDPE has a linear structure with little branching, making it a more durable option as compared to a lower-density polyethylene also known as LDPE. It also has a high resistance to chemicals, acids, alkalis and alcohols; making it a popular choice when it comes to manufacturing storing containers for such liquids. Due to the rigidity of the HDPE, it makes the plastic more durable when it comes to external abrasion and impact. The stiff nature of the HDPE structure also makes it a popular choice for products like bottles and toys. While also fairly flexible, HDPE is also used to manufacture grocery bags and stretch film.
As it is widely available and recyclable, the HDPE is a cost-effective option for manufacturing many products. The HDPE is also used by a wide variety of industries from manufacturing, oil & gas, electronics and even for food. Considered as an industrial-grade, NSF, FDA and USDA-approved material, the plastic can be used to protect and contain various food products.
To summarise, the HDPE is known for:
1) Durability
2) High-resistance to chemicals, acids, alkalis and alcohols
3) Protection against abrasion and impact
4) Fairly flexible
5) Cost-effective
6) Recyclable
7) Food safe
Additional Benefits of HDPE:
1) High electrical insulation
2) Resistant to temperatures of -148 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit
3) UV resistant
4) Lightweight
Examples of HDPE products
Now that we’ve elucidated the benefits of a HDPE, let us take a look at some of its application in industrial as well as commercial products.
Industrial
1) Chemical Containers – HDPE has a high resistance in chemicals, acids, alkalis and alcohol. Making it a popular choice for cost effective and lightweight chemical containers.
2) High Pressure Pipe Systems – Fairly flexible, durable and with low water absorption, the HDPE is used as pipes for fluid and gas transfer.
3) Plastic Pallets & Crates – HDPE is highly durable and lightweight, making it the perfect choice for plastic pallets and crates. Long lasting as compared to the wooden alternatives.
4) Stretch Film – Used mainly in manufacturing and logistics companies. Flexible yet durable in nature, the HDPE is a perfect candidate when it comes to stretch films.
Commercial
1) Milk Bottles – With its high resistance to temperatures, the HDPE makes a cost effective and practical choice when it comes to manufacturing baby milk bottles.
2) Grocery Bags – Similar to the properties considered when making a stretch film, the grocery bag has to be flexible, durable, and lightweight. This makes the HDPE a perfect material to use.
3) Containers for milk, shampoo, detergents etc. – With its low water absorption and leak-proof properties, HDPE is considered the best plastic to be used to contain everyday products like shampoo and bleaches. The containers are also resistant to impact and a lightweight.
4) Food containers – HDPE is approved safe to be used for food products due to low leaching.
Is High-Density Polyethylene right for my company in Malaysia?
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the materials to use in manufacturing your product. The questions one should ask before deciding would be:
1) What is the application of the product I am manufacturing?
This nature and application of your product will vastly determine the materials used to manufacture it. For example, will the product come in contact with hot liquids? Will the product be subjected to constant external impact? Does the product have to be compliant to certain safety standards and does HDPE meet those requirements?
Once this is ascertained, we can move on to the next question.
2) Does it fall within my budget?
HDPE is very affordable due to its wide availability and recyclable properties.
3) Do you already have the means to work with the material?
Do you already have the right manpower, knowledge and machines to work with HDPE? Some methods of working with HDPE involved extrusion, melting and mould to manufacture products. Without the right manpower, knowledge and machinery, it would be a challenge to process HDPE. Another factor to consider is if you have the space to store the materials.
If you are still unsure if HDPE is for your company, why not speak to a professional?
Impact Rank is the leading HDPE plastic bags manufacturer in Singapore. We have a variety of different HDPE bags with specialised applications from anti-static bags, fire retardants as well as food-grade bags. Our HDPE plastic bags in Singapore are quality assured under ISO 9001 as well as HACCP certified. We also work with companies in various industries from Aerospace, Agriculture, Automation Packing, Automotives, Cargo, Construction, F&B, Furniture, Hard Disk Drives, Logistics and Military – using our HDPE products in Singapore.
As the leading HDPE company in Singapore, besides just meeting your product quality and standards, we provide professional service and have exclusive insights into the market of HDPE suppliers in Singapore.
Looking to incorporate High-Density Polyethylene packaging in Malaysia and Singapore? Contact Impact Rank today and we’ll allocate our experts with niche knowledge of your industry to assist you!