Polyethylene plastic is one of the simplest thermoplastic polymers that exist, so it is very easy to work with it, under various techniques it allows the production of a large number of products, which is why it is used for various applications in the market.

It is one of the most resistant and low-cost plastics that exist, this has the consequence that it is one of the preferred by various industries, almost 100 million tons are produced annually in the world. Its versatility has nothing to do with the simplicity of the polymer, polyethylene plastic, it has a formula that can be defined as CH2=CH” and is derived from the polymerization of ethylene.

Properties of polyethylene plastic

Its characteristics vary depending on the pressure and temperature to which it is subjected. It is white or translucent plastic, resistant and flexible at room temperature. Being a perfect insulator of electricity, it is used for sheathing cables or mechanical parts.

Types of polyethylene plastic

There are two types of polyethylene plastic depending on their chemical structure: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) with which plastic bags, domes for food packaging, cables, coatings, films, etc. are generally manufactured. And High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) has its main use in containers for corrosive products, pipes, sheets, mechanical parts, household items, etc.

Can polyethylene plastic be recycled?

If being a thermoplastic with a simple chemical chain, it is very easy to recycle, whether it is LDPE or HDPE, these materials respond to heat in an excellent way, so they can be used again for the manufacture of new products. What is very important is the correct separation of waste to facilitate recycling. Products made with this type of resin have the number 2 mark on their body.