The Ultimate LLDPE Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Linear Low-Density Polyethylene
What Is LLDPE, and Why Is It Everywhere?
From the tough, clear film that secures a pallet of goods in a warehouse to the durable bag of potting soil in a garden shed, we encounter Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) every day, often without a second thought. It is one of the most versatile and widely used plastics, an unsung hero that plays a critical role in packaging, agriculture, and countless consumer products.
This guide offers a definitive look into what LLDPE is, what makes it unique, and why it has become an indispensable material in the modern world.
What Does LLDPE Stand For?
LLDPE is the abbreviation for Linear Low-Density Polyethylene. It belongs to the vast family of polyethylene plastics, which are polymers—large molecules made of repeating smaller units, or monomers. In this case, the fundamental building block is ethylene.
LLDPE is one of the three most common members of this family, alongside its cousins, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
Market Impact
The global LLDPE market was valued at approximately USD 50.12 billion in 2024, with projections indicating steady growth at a CAGR of 4.43%, expected to reach USD 70.89 billion by 2032.
This growth is driven by increasing demand in packaging, agriculture, and construction applications worldwide.
The Science Behind LLDPE's Unique Structure
Understanding Polyethylene Through Analogies
The differences between the main types of polyethylene can be best understood with a simple analogy involving trees and logs:
LDPE
Like a tree with many long, sprawling branches that get tangled when bundled together, creating low density and high flexibility.
LLDPE
Like logs with short, uniform branches that act as spacers - preventing tight packing but allowing chains to slide past each other when stretched.
HDPE
Like straight, unbranched logs that can be packed tightly together, creating high density and rigidity.
Copolymerization Process
LLDPE's special structure is engineered through copolymerization. LLDPE is created by reacting ethylene with a small amount (typically 1% to 10%) of a secondary monomer called an alpha-olefin.
Butene
Most common for commodity applications
Hexene
Balanced performance and cost
Octene
Highest performance, premium applications
LLDPE's Superior Properties
LLDPE Technical Data Sheet
Comprehensive property overview for engineering applications
| Property | Value Range | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Properties | ||
| Density | 0.91−0.94 g/cm³ | Lower than HDPE, slightly higher than LDPE |
| Crystallinity | 35% - 60% | Semi-crystalline structure explains balanced properties |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | 12−30 MPa | Significantly higher than LDPE |
| Elongation at Break | 300% - 800% | Extreme flexibility and stretchability |
| Impact Strength | High / Good | Excellent resistance to sudden force |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Melting Point | 120−138°C (248−280°F) | Higher than LDPE, better heat resistance |
| Max Operating Temperature | ~50°C (122°F) | Continuous use temperature limit |
Chemical Compatibility Guide
Resistance ratings at different temperatures
| Chemical Category | Example | 20°C | 60°C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acids (Dilute) | Acetic Acid (10%) | A | A | Highly resistant to most dilute acids |
| Bases / Alkalis | Ammonium Hydroxide (28%) | A | A | Excellent resistance to common bases |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, Amyl Alcohol | A | A | Generally safe for contact with alcohols |
| Solvents (Ketones) | Acetone | B | C | Can cause swelling and degradation |
| Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Diesel Oil | C | C | Poor resistance; causes swelling |
LLDPE vs. LDPE vs. HDPE: The Complete Comparison
| Feature | LLDPE | LDPE | HDPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular Structure | Linear backbone with short branches | Highly branched with long branches | Linear with minimal branching |
| Analogy | Log with short, neat branches | Tree with tangled branches | Straight, unbranched log |
| Density | 0.91−0.94 g/cm³ | 0.910−0.925 g/cm³ | 0.941−0.965 g/cm³ |
| Crystallinity | Semi-crystalline (35-60%) | Low crystalline (<50%) | High crystalline (>90%) |
| Key Advantage | Toughness & Flexibility | Clarity & Softness | Rigidity & Strength |
| Key Weakness | Lower clarity, harder to process | Lower strength, puncture resistance | Less flexible, prone to cracking |
| Primary Applications | Stretch films, heavy-duty bags, agricultural films | Grocery bags, bread bags, shrink wrap | Milk jugs, pipes, buckets, hard hats |
| Recycling Code | #4 | #4 | #2 |
Where You'll Find LLDPE: Top Applications Across Industries
Packaging & Film
~80% of global LLDPE consumption
- • Stretch and shrink film
- • Food packaging films
- • Heavy-duty shipping sacks
- • Pallet wrap and protective films
Agriculture
UV-stabilized grades for outdoor use
- • Greenhouse and tunnel films
- • Mulch films
- • Silage wraps and bale wraps
- • Irrigation tubing
Consumer Goods
Safe, durable, and impact-resistant
- • Toys and playground equipment
- • Household storage containers
- • Garden planters and buckets
- • Flexible furniture components
Industrial
Chemical resistance and durability
- • Liners and geomembranes
- • Flexible pipes and tubing
- • Wire and cable insulation
- • Tank linings
Automotive
Flexible components and recycled applications
- • Interior trim components
- • Bumper liners (recycled)
- • Underhood flexible parts
- • Wire harness protection
Construction
Environmental protection and containment
- • Vapor barriers
- • Pond and canal liners
- • Landfill containment systems
- • Foundation waterproofing
Production, Safety, and Sustainability
Production Methods
Gas-Phase Process
Most common and economical method. No solvent required, environmentally friendly.
Solution-Phase Process
Higher precision control, used for specialty grades with enhanced properties.
Safety Profile
Recycling and Sustainability
Current Challenges
- Film form factor causes equipment jams in MRFs
- Food contamination and adhesive residues
- Economic competition with virgin resin
- Quality degradation with each recycling cycle
Emerging Solutions
- Dedicated retail drop-off collection programs
- Advanced optical sorting technologies
- Chemical recycling (pyrolysis/solvolysis)
- FDA-approved food-safe recycling processes
LLDPE Product Database
Comprehensive specifications from leading global manufacturers
SABIC LLDPE Products
High-performance linear low-density polyethylene resins
| Grade No. | MFI | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 118NJ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | General-purpose parts, consumer goods, appliances |
| 118WJ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Consumer products, packaging, basic strength components |
| 218BE | 2.1 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive interiors, electronic enclosures, impact-resistant parts |
| 218BJ | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Household appliances, industrial parts, durable components |
| 218WJ | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Packaging, toys, surface-finish-focused applications |
| 218NJ | 2 | DOWNLOAD | General plastic parts, furniture, office supplies |
| 318BJ | 2.8 | DOWNLOAD | Cast film extrusion (excellent optical properties, puncture resistance) |
| 318CNJ | 2.6 | DOWNLOAD | Aerospace interiors, high-end electronics casings |
| 324CNJ | 3.6 | DOWNLOAD | Roto-molding (water tank, chemical tank, toy, road barrier, playground, furniture) |
| 518NJ | 0.5 | DOWNLOAD | Construction parts, large consumer products |
| 920NT | 0.85 | DOWNLOAD | High-temperature electrical connectors, harsh environment components |
| P438J | 0.4 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive engine parts, power tool housings, heat-resistant components |
| M200024 | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Thin-walled injection molding, consumer electronics |
| M500026 | 50 | DOWNLOAD | High-volume packaging, building materials, processable products |
ExxonMobil LLDPE Products
Advanced linear low-density polyethylene resins
| Grade No. | Melt Flow (g/10 min) | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| LL 1001.32 | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Making films with good properties |
| LL 1002YB Cast | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Producing cast films or blends |
| LL 5100.09 | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Manufacturing various plastic products |
| LL 6100.17 | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Packaging food in freezer applications |
| LL 6101RQ | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Enhancing ESCR of HDPE products |
| LL 6201.19 | 50 | DOWNLOAD | Processing thin-walled food packages |
| LL 6201XR | 50 | DOWNLOAD | Making products with good properties |
| LL 6202.19 | 12 | DOWNLOAD | Creating tough and low-warpage items |
| LL 6407.67 | 6.8 | DOWNLOAD | Making durable cold-resistant products |
Chevron Phillips Marlex® LLDPE
Premium performance linear low-density polyethylene
| Grade No. | Brand | Melt Flow (g/10 min) | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7104 | Marlex | 0.35 | DOWNLOAD | Sheet and geomembrane |
| 7105D | Marlex | 0.5 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109 | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109DJ | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109DL | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109FJ | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109M | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7120B | Marlex | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Film applications |
| 7120X | Marlex | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Film applications |
| 7308FK | Marlex | 0.8 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
QAPCO Lotrene® LLDPE
Quality linear low-density polyethylene resins
Dow DOWLEX™ & ELITE™ LLDPE
Advanced technology linear low-density polyethylene
| Grade No. | Brand | Melt Flow (g/10 min) | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2045.11G | DOWLEX™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | High-speed thin-film packaging |
| 2045A | DOWLEX™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Heavy-duty packaging applications |
| 2045G | DOWLEX™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Industrial and consumer films |
| 2047G | DOWLEX™ | 2.3 | DOWNLOAD | High-performance stretch films |
| 5401G | ELITE™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Automated packaging applications |
Why LLDPE Remains a Material of Choice
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene has carved out an indispensable role in the world of modern materials. Its success stems from a masterful piece of polymer engineering: a linear molecular backbone decorated with just enough short-chain branching to achieve a unique and highly desirable balance of properties.
It stands as the material of choice when an application demands a superior combination of flexibility, toughness, and stress resistance—a level of performance that softer LDPE cannot deliver, without the unyielding rigidity of HDPE.
Looking to the future, the trajectory of LLDPE is clear. Its market is poised for continued growth, driven by the expanding needs of a global economy. However, this growth is intrinsically tied to the industry's ability to address the material's end-of-life challenges through innovative recycling solutions and circular economy initiatives.
supply Various Grades of LLDPE polymer
SABIC’s LLDPE portfolio is designed with sustainability in mind, supporting lightweight, recyclable packaging and durable applications that contribute to a circular economy. View All
| Grade No. | Manufactuer | MFI | Properties | APPLICATION |
| 118NJ | SABIC | 1 | DOWNLOAD | General-purpose parts, consumer goods, appliances |
| 118WJ | SABIC | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Consumer products, packaging, basic strength components |
| 218BE | SABIC | 2.1 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive interiors, electronic enclosures, impact-resistant parts |
| 218BJ | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Household appliances, industrial parts, durable components |
| 218WJ | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Packaging, toys, surface-finish-focused applications |
| 218NJ | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | General plastic parts, furniture, office supplies |
| 318BJ | SABIC | 2.8 | DOWNLOAD | Cast film extrusion (excellent optical properties, puncture resistance) |
| 318CNJ | SABIC | 2.6 | DOWNLOAD | Aerospace interiors, high-end electronics casings |
| 324CNJ | SABIC | 3.6 | DOWNLOAD | Roto-molding (water tank, chemical tank, toy, road barrier, playground, furniture) |
| 518NJ | SABIC | 0.5 | DOWNLOAD | Construction parts, large consumer products |
| 920NT | SABIC | 0.85 | DOWNLOAD | High-temperature electrical connectors, harsh environment components |
| P438J | SABIC | 0.4 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive engine parts, power tool housings, heat-resistant components |
| M200024 | SABIC | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Thin-walled injection molding, consumer electronics |
| M500026 | SABIC | 50 | DOWNLOAD | High-volume packaging, building materials, processable products |
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Melt Flow (g/10 min ) | Properties | Application |
| LL 1001.32 | ExxonMobil | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Making films with good properties |
| LL 1002YB Cast | ExxonMobil | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Producing cast films or blends |
| LL 5100.09 | ExxonMobil | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Manufacturing various plastic products |
| LL 6100.17 | ExxonMobil | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Packaging food in freezer applications |
| LL 6101RQ | ExxonMobil | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Enhancing ESCR of HDPE products |
| LL 6201.19 | ExxonMobil | 50 | DOWNLOAD | Processing thin – walled food packages |
| LL 6201XR | ExxonMobil | 50 | DOWNLOAD | Making products with good properties |
| LL 6202.19 | ExxonMobil | 12 | DOWNLOAD | Creating tough and low – warpage items |
| LL 6407.67 | ExxonMobil | 6.8 | DOWNLOAD | Making durable cold – resistant products |
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Brand | Melt Flow (g/10 min) | Properties | Application |
| 7104 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.35 | DOWNLOAD | Sheet and geomembrane |
| 7105D | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.5 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109DJ | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109DL | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109FJ | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7109M | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.9 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| 7120B | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Film applications |
| 7120X | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Film applications |
| 7308FK | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.8 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film applications |
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Melt Flow (g/10 min 2.16/190℃ ) | Properties | Application |
| Q1018H | QAPCO Lotrene | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Stretch film, packaging bags |
| Q1018N | QAPCO Lotrene | 1 | DOWNLOAD | General packaging, blow molding |
| Q2018C | QAPCO Lotrene | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Co – extrusion films, wraps |
| Q2018H | QAPCO Lotrene | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Heavy – duty packaging, liners |
| Q2018N | QAPCO Lotrene | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Injection molding, containers |
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Brand | Melt Flow (g/10 min) | Properties | Application |
| 2045.11G | Dow | DOWLEX™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | High – speed thin – film packaging |
| 2045A | Dow | DOWLEX™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Heavy – duty packaging applications |
| 2045G | Dow | DOWLEX™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Industrial and consumer films |
| 2047G | Dow | DOWLEX™ | 2.3 | DOWNLOAD | High – performance stretch films |
| 5401G | Dow | ELITE™ | 1 | DOWNLOAD | Automated packaging applications |
We're here to meet all your LLDPE pellets needs
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene FAQs
How is LLDPE produced?
What are the key physical and mechanical properties of LLDPE?
- Density: Approximately 0.915–0.930 g/cm³.
- Tensile Strength: Typically ranges from 8 to 14 MPa.
- Elongation at Break: Can exceed 500% in some formulations.
- Impact Resistance: High, making it suitable for products that require toughness and durability.
These properties make LLDPE a preferred material for products requiring a balance of flexibility and strength.
What are the common applications of LLDPE?
LLDPE is widely used in the following applications:
Packaging Films: Its strength and puncture resistance make it ideal for stretch films and agricultural films.
Flexible Containers: Used in manufacturing bags and liners due to its high tear resistance.
Injection Molding: Employed in the production of various consumer goods and industrial parts.
Pipe and Cable Insulation: Its durability and resistance to stress cracking make it suitable for these applications.
How does LLDPE compare to other types of polyethylene such as LDPE and HDPE?
Versus LDPE: LLDPE offers better tensile strength and puncture resistance. It is produced using a different process that results in a more linear structure, which improves its mechanical performance.
Versus HDPE: While HDPE has a higher density and stiffness, LLDPE provides greater flexibility and impact resistance. This makes LLDPE more suitable for applications where flexibility is important.
What are the environmental considerations associated with LLDPE?
LLDPE is recyclable, and many facilities accept it as part of plastic recycling programs. However, like other polyethylenes, its environmental impact depends on factors such as production energy use and end-of-life management. Efforts are underway in many regions to improve recycling rates and develop sustainable practices in production.
What are the market trends and future prospects for LLDPE?
The global market for LLDPE has seen steady growth, driven by increased demand in packaging and industrial applications. According to recent market analyses, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for LLDPE is estimated to be around 5–6% over the next few years. This growth is attributed to rising packaging needs in the food industry, agricultural film usage, and increased applications in construction and infrastructure.