Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum (carbon and hydrogen only) and it was produced decades before HDPE plastic. Known for its large strength to density ratio, LDPE is commonly used in the production of bottles, tubing and the common plastic shopping bag. Along with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) it is the most commonly used plastic in the world.
LDPE has the same basic characteristics as HDPE in that it is a low cost plastic that is flexible, translucent, weather-proof and has good toughness at low temperatures. It is waxy to the touch and has a good chemical resistance. It is very workable by many processes and is recyclable after end-use at the consumer level. Compared to HDPE it is more flexible, more ductile / pliable and has weaker strength.
While LDPE products are often produced as sheets or via blow-moulding, LDPE products at CANUS are commonly produced by way of:
- CNC Machining
- General Machining
- Welding
- Adhesives
Applications include bottles, tubing, trays, work surfaces, components requiring snap-on lids, playground slides and plastic wraps.