Bottles, jerry cans, drums
Bottles for food, detergents and cosmetics, and jerry cans and drums, including dangerous goods packaging.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
–[CH₂–CH₂]– · Bottles, jerry cans, crates, pipes
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic from the polyolefin family with largely linear chains – used for example in bottles, jerry cans, crates and pipes.
HDPE at a glance
Guide values from manufacturer data sheets and technical literature. They vary by grade, additives and manufacturer – the data sheet of the individual material is decisive. The identification number under Decision 97/129/EC is a voluntary identification system for packaging materials.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Repeating unit | –[CH₂–CH₂]– from ethylene |
| Identification number (Decision 97/129/EC) | 2 HDPE |
| Density | approx. 0.94–0.97 g/cm³ |
| Crystalline melting range | approx. 125–135 °C |
| Structure | semi-crystalline, largely linear (little branching) |
| Typical processing | extrusion (e.g. pipes), extrusion blow moulding, injection moulding |
| Properties | good chemical resistance, good electrical insulation, practically no water absorption |
Typical applications of HDPE
Crates and containers
Crates and boxes, food containers, housewares and toys.
Pipes
Drinking water, sewage and pressure pipes.
Fuel tanks
Vehicle fuel tanks.
Recycling of HDPE
- Sorting: European sorting lines identify plastics with near-infrared (NIR) detectors. With a density below 1 g/cm³, polyolefins can be separated from heavier plastics during reprocessing.
- Odour: Substances from the first use or from microorganisms can cause odours in recyclates and limit their use in odour-sensitive applications.
- Food contact: Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 has so far established two suitable recycling technologies: mechanical PET recycling and recycling from a closed and controlled chain, such as crates used in food retail. Other processes go through the procedure for novel technologies, including an assessment by EFSA. No decision has yet been taken for HDPE from municipal collection; the European Commission therefore does not yet expect recycled HDPE for food contact on the market.
- Recycled content in packaging: The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) has applied since 12 August 2026. Its Article 7 sets minimum shares of post-consumer recyclate in the plastic part of packaging, calculated per manufacturing plant and year: from 1 January 2030 (or three years after the implementing act on the calculation method, whichever is later) 10 % for contact-sensitive packaging made of plastics other than PET and 35 % for other plastic packaging; from 2040, 25 % and 65 % respectively.
HDPE recyclates with plastship
plastship is a distributor of recycled plastics. The starting point of every sourcing project is not the material – but your application.
Recyclate supply
We clarify processing, product specification, acceptable variations and regulatory requirements, and on that basis define suitable recyclate qualities, feedstocks and supply concepts.
Laboratory services
Physical, mechanical and optical testing, odour and polymer composition – including melt flow rate (MFR), density, moisture and ash content, tensile testing, Charpy impact strength and the identification of foreign polymers.
Material quality
A structured evaluation makes recyclate quality transparent – as a basis for decisions in application, sourcing and compliance.
plastship Monitored Materials
Quality scoring on a scale from 0 to 10 points across mechanics, optics, odour and polymer purity – with material benchmark and certificate of quality.
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More polymers
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polyester for beverage bottles, packaging, films and fibres.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Durable thermoplastic for profiles, pipes, flooring and cables.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
Branched polyethylene, also as LLDPE, for films, carrier bags and coatings.
Polypropylene (PP)
Chemical-resistant polyolefin for packaging, fibres and moulded parts.
Polystyrene (PS)
Amorphous thermoplastic for packaging, housings and insulation foam.
Polyamide 6 (PA 6)
Engineering plastic for moulded parts, films, fibres and monofilaments.
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