Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
What does LDPE stand for?
LDPE is an acronym for Low Density PolyEthylene and is a thermoplastic derived from petroleum used mainly in the plastic bag and film industry.
What is LDPE’s plastic number?
LDPE is recycling number 4.
What are LDPE’s properties?
- LDPE is flexible, tough, and relatively transparent.
- LDPE has density range between 0.910–0.940 g/cm³.
- LDPE can withstand temperatures around 80 °C continuously.
- Compared to HDPE, LDPE is more resilient with less tensile strength. That is, LDPE is more pliable but less strong.
- LDPE has excellent resistance to acids, alcohols, bases and esters.
- LDPE has good resistance to aldehydes, ketones, and vegetable oils.
What products are made from LDPE?
- Grocery bags
- Thin packaging (bread, newspaper, dry cleaning, sandwich bags, etc…)
- Plastic film (ie., cling wrap, saran wrap)
- Squeeze bottles
- Six pack rings (for sodas)
- Moisture barriers in construction
- Agricultural wrap
- Plastic laminate for cardboard milk and juice bottles
- Flexible parts via injection molding
Can LDPE be recycled?
Yes, LDPE is 100% recyclable. Please call your recycling center or curbside program before depositing your LDPE (number 4 plastic).
Related Articles: