Films
Cling film, carrier bags and agricultural film.
AI
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
–[CH₂–CH₂]– · Films, carrier bags, coatings; branched chain (also LLDPE)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a branched, semi-crystalline thermoplastic from the polyolefin family – used for example in films, carrier bags and coatings; this page also covers linear LLDPE.
LDPE 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; LLDPE with a comonomer (butene, hexene or octene) |
| Identification number (Decision 97/129/EC) | 4 LDPE |
| Density | LDPE approx. 0.91–0.94 g/cm³ · LLDPE approx. 0.916–0.94 g/cm³ |
| Crystalline melting range | LDPE approx. 105–115 °C |
| Structure | semi-crystalline; LDPE with short and long branches, LLDPE largely linear with many short branches |
| Typical processing | blown film extrusion, coating (e.g. milk cartons), cable sheathing |
| Properties | good chemical resistance, good electrical insulation, practically no water absorption |
LLDPE: linear low-density polyethylene
LLDPE is made by copolymerising ethylene with longer-chain alpha-olefins such as butene, hexene or octene. Its chains are largely linear and carry many short branches, but no long branches like LDPE. Compared with LDPE, LLDPE has higher tensile strength and puncture resistance and can therefore be made into thinner films, for example stretch film.
Typical applications of LDPE
Cables and coatings
Electrical cable coating, milk carton coatings and heavy-duty industrial bags.
Containers and squeeze bottles
Trays and containers, wash and dispensing bottles.
Stretch and packaging film
LLDPE for stretch film, industrial packaging film, thin-walled containers and bags.
Recycling of LDPE
- 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.
- 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.
LDPE 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.
Digital material search
Search and compare recyclates by application-specific criteria, with access to quality-relevant material data.
Looking for LDPE recyclate for your application?
Inquiry about LDPE recyclates
Choose your topic – we route your request straight to the right person and usually reply within two business days.
More polymers
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polyester for beverage bottles, packaging, films and fibres.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Largely linear polyethylene for bottles, jerry cans, crates and pipes.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Durable thermoplastic for profiles, pipes, flooring and cables.
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.
All polymers
The seven polymer pages at a glance.