what is ldpe?
LDPE stands for Low-Density Polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer made from ethylene through a high-pressure polymerization process. It’s known for its flexibility, softness, and translucency, with a density typically ranging from 0.910 to 0.940 g/cm³. The secret sauce? Its highly branched molecular structure, which reduces packing efficiency, giving it that pliable, less rigid nature compared to HDPE or LLDPE.
LDPE is a champ in applications needing stretch and durability—like plastic bags, shrink wrap, and packaging films. It’s also moisture-resistant and chemically inert, so it’s great for containers, squeeze bottles, and even coatings on paper or cables. However, it’s not as strong or heat-resistant as HDPE, softening around 100-110°C (212-230°F).
SABIC, for example, churns out LDPE grades like SABIC® LDPE 2100N0, with a density of 921 kg/m³, optimized for heavy-duty films and extrusion. Its properties—think good impact resistance and easy processing—make it a go-to for lightweight, flexible products.
Need more on LDPE’s quirks or a specific use? Let us know!
supply Various Grades of LDPE pellets
SABIC collaborates with customers to develop tailored LDPE solutions that enhance production efficiency and meet evolving market demands. View All
| Grade No. | Manufactuer | MFI | Properties | APPLICATION |
| HP0322NN | SABIC | 0.33 | DOWNLOAD | Produce heavy – duty films |
| HP0323NN | SABIC | 0.3 | DOWNLOAD | Produce heavy – duty films |
| HP0722NN | SABIC | 0.75 | DOWNLOAD | Produce medium – duty films |
| HP0823JN | SABIC | 0.8 | DOWNLOAD | Make films with shrink properties |
| HP0823NN | SABIC | 0.8 | DOWNLOAD | Make films with shrink properties |
| HP2022JN | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Thin collation shrink film,general purpose film, textile packaging and food bag |
| HP2022NN | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Thin collation shrink film, lamination film, textile packaging and food bag |
| HP2023JN | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Thin collation shrink film, lamination film, general purpose film, textile packaging |
| HP2023NN | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Thin collation shrink film, lamination film, general purpose film, food bag |
| HP2027LN | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Medium/thin-walled shrink film, composite film, stand-up pouch, FFS (Fill – Form – Seal) |
| HP2027NN | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Medium/thin-walled shrink film, composite film, stand-up pouch, FFS (Fill – Form – Seal) |
| HP4023WN | SABIC | 4 | DOWNLOAD | High clarity laundry bag, textile wrapping film, zip-lock bag |
| HP4024WN | SABIC | 4 | DOWNLOAD | High clarity laundry bag, textile wrapping film, zip-lock bag |
| HP4024N | SABIC | 4 | DOWNLOAD | General-purpose films |
| HP4027JN | SABIC | 4 | DOWNLOAD | Medium/thin-walled shrink film, composite film, zip-lock bag, stand-up pouch |
| HP4027NN | SABIC | 4 | DOWNLOAD | Medium/thin-walled shrink film, composite film, zip-lock bag, stand-up pouch |
| HP7023 | SABIC | 7 | DOWNLOAD | Bottle caps, box lids, household plastic products, color masterbatch, blending |
| HP20023 | SABIC | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Color masterbatch, blending, injection molding |
| 1905U0 | SABIC | 5 | DOWNLOAD | Packaging materials, building materials (Processing technology: Extrusion) |
| 2202U0 | SABIC | 1.9 | DOWNLOAD | Plastic bags and wrapping materials |
| 2004CX3 | SABIC | 4.6 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive foaming materials, sports and leisure products, packaging materials |
| 2102X0 | SABIC | 1.9 | DOWNLOAD | sports and leisure products, packaging materials, building materials |
| 2102X3 | SABIC | 2.5 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive foaming materials, sports and leisure products, building materials |
| 2402CX0 | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive foaming materials, sports and leisure products, packaging materials |
| 2502X0 | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | sports and leisure products, packaging materials, building materials |
| 2601X1 | SABIC | 0.65 | DOWNLOAD | Packaging materials, building materials (Processing technology: Extrusion) |
| 2602X1 | SABIC | 1.5 | DOWNLOAD | Packaging materials, building materials |
| HP2024JDF | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive foaming materials,packaging materials, building materials |
| HP2024NDF | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive foaming materials, sports and leisure products, building materials |
| HP0824NDF | SABIC | 0.8 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive foaming materials, sports and leisure products, building materials |
| HP0722NDF | SABIC | 0.75 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive foaming materials, sports and leisure products, packaging materials |
| HP2022NDF | SABIC | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Flexible packaging for various goods |
Produced using advanced autoclave and tubular reactor technologies, Borealis LDPE is designed to deliver excellent optical properties, flexibility, and processability. View All
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Brand | Melt Flow (g/10 min 2.16/190℃ ) | Properties | Application |
| 4517 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 5.1 | DOWNLOAD | Extrusion coating applications |
| 5428 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | N/A | DOWNLOAD | Cast film for openability |
| 1007 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 7 | DOWNLOAD | Flexible product manufacturing |
| 1009 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | N/A | DOWNLOAD | Flexible item production |
| 1122 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 2.1 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film for packaging |
| 1122B | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 2.1 | DOWNLOAD | Flexible product applications |
| 1412 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 35 | DOWNLOAD | Flexible and flowing products |
| 4538A | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Pharmaceutical packaging |
| 4571 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 4.1 | DOWNLOAD | High – speed cast film |
| 5104 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 1.3 | DOWNLOAD | Blow – molded impact products |
| 5335 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 2 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film for processing |
| 5613 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.5 | DOWNLOAD | High – strength blown film |
| 5755 | Chevron Phillips | Marlex | 0.8 | DOWNLOAD | Blown film for good optics |
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | MFI(g/10 min 2.16/190℃) | Properties | Application |
| LD 051.LQ | ExxonMobil | 0.25 | DOWNLOAD | Heavy – duty packaging film |
| LD 071.LQ | ExxonMobil | 0.7 | DOWNLOAD | Bundling and shrink film |
| LD 100.BW | ExxonMobil | 2 | DOWNLOAD | General – purpose packaging film |
| LD 102.LC | ExxonMobil | 6.8 | DOWNLOAD | Garment packaging film |
| LD 200.48 | ExxonMobil | 7.5 | DOWNLOAD | Flexible packaging coating |
| LD 201.48 | ExxonMobil | 4.2 | DOWNLOAD | Portion packaging coating |
| LD 202.48 | ExxonMobil | 12 | DOWNLOAD | High – speed coating for packs |
| LD 419.MV | ExxonMobil | 2.3 | DOWNLOAD | Wire and cable insulation |
| LD 506.07 | ExxonMobil | 33 | DOWNLOAD | Color conc. & injection mold |
| LD 2329.DS | ExxonMobil | 2.3 | DOWNLOAD | Overwrap and push – through pack |
We're here to meet all your LDPE polymer needs
Low-Density Polyethylene FAQs
How is LDPE different from HDPE?
| Property | LDPE | HDPE |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.910–0.940 g/cm³ | 0.941–0.965 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~105–115°C | ~125–135°C |
| Flexibility | Higher | Lower |
| Tensile Strength | Lower (~8–12 MPa) | Higher (~20–37 MPa) |
| Transparency | Generally better than HDPE | Usually more opaque |
What are the typical physical and mechanical properties of LDPE?
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.910 – 0.940 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 105 – 115°C |
| Tensile Strength | 8 – 12 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 300 – 650% |
| Flexural Modulus | 200 – 400 MPa |
| Hardness (Shore D) | ~45 – 50 |
Values may vary based on formulation and processing method.
What are the main applications of LDPE?
LDPE is widely used in:
Film products: grocery bags, shrink wrap, agricultural films
Liners: container liners, geomembranes
Flexible bottles: squeeze bottles, cosmetic tubes
Cable insulation
Injection-molded lids and caps
Is LDPE food safe?
Yes. Many LDPE grades are approved for food contact applications and meet standards such as:
FDA 21 CFR 177.1520
EU Regulation No. 10/2011
Common food-contact uses include bread bags, frozen food packaging, and bottle caps.
Is LDPE recyclable?
Yes. LDPE is recyclable and falls under plastic recycling code #4. However, film waste is harder to recycle due to contamination and collection challenges. Recycled LDPE is often used in:
Trash bags
Pallet sheets
Agricultural film
Non-critical flexible products