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HDPE
High density polyethylene (HDPE) film is commonly used for applications in food and beverage packaging. Featuring a matte finish, this plastic material offers durability, tensile strength and low moisture absorption.
- Can be recycled
- Low moisture absorption
- Matte finish
Best Used With
Overview
HDPE plastic is a relatively cost effective material, making it extremely popular in a wide range of industries. Popular for applications in food, beverage and house hold product packaging, HDPE film offers tensile strength and creates a strong moisture barrier that is 100% food safe. It can also be applied as a film to paper based materials for creating effective moisture barriers. HDPE plastic is one of the most popular plastic materials on the market and features a matte finish which you’ll recognized in packaging like milk jugs and laundry detergent containers.
Plastic Recycling Chart
| Resin Identification Code |  |
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| Abbreviation | PET or PETE | HDPE | PVC | LDPE | PP | PS | OTHER | PLA |
| Polymer Name | Polyethylene Terephthalate | High-Density Polyethylene | Polyvinyl Chloride | Low-Density Polyethylene | Polypropylene | Polystyrene | All Other Plastics | Polylactic Acid |
| Recyclable | Commonly Recycled | Commonly Recycled | Somethims Recycled | Somethims Recycled | Occasionally Recycled | Commonly Recycled (but diffcult to do) | Difficult to Recycle | Compostable |
| % Recycled Annually | 36% | 30~35% | <1% | 6% | 3% | 34% | Low | Low |
| Time to Decompose | 5~10 years | 100 years | never | 500~1000 years | 20~30 years | 50 years | never | 6 months |
| Toxicity Level | High | Low | High | Low | Low | High | High | – |
| Max Temperature | 70°C (158°F) | 120°C (248°F) | 70°C (158°F) | 80°C (176°F) | 135°C (275°F) | 90°C (194°F) | 135°C (275°F) | 150°C (302°F) |
| Brittleness Temperature | -40°C (-40°F) | -100°C (-148°F) | -30°C (-22°F) | -100°C (-148°F) | 0°C (32°F) | -20°C (-4°F) | -135°C (-211°F) | 60°C (140°F) |