LDPE

Low Density Polyethylene

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer ethylene. As its name suggests, LDPE has a lower density compared to other polyethylene varieties, giving it a softer and more flexible nature. The molecular structure of LDPE contains more branching than its higher-density counterparts, resulting in a material that is less rigid and highly resilient. This flexibility makes LDPE ideal for applications that require pliability and impact resistance.

Properties of LDPE

Lightweight and Flexible

LDPE is known for its flexibility, which makes it easy to mold and shape.

Impact-Resistant

The material is resistant to impact and can withstand bending without breaking.

Moisture Barrier

Excellent resistance to moisture, making it for protective packaging.

Chemical Resistance

It withstands various chemicals, including acids, alcohols, and bases.

Common Uses of LDPE

Packaging
Bottles
Agricultural Film
ldpe plastic tube
Industrial Applications

Advantages of LDPE

LDPE offers numerous advantages that make it a valuable material for many industries. Here are the main benefits of LDPE:

LDPE — Advantages & Limitations
ADVANTAGE

Key strengths of LDPE for packaging, film, and insulation applications.

  • High flexibility
    Highly branched molecular structure provides excellent softness and bending capability, suitable for flexible packaging.
  • Impact resistance
    Maintains toughness at low temperatures and resists cracking under impact.
  • Good transparency
    High clarity makes LDPE ideal for films and applications where product visibility is required.
  • Chemical resistance
    Resistant to many acids, bases and common solvents, ensuring stable performance in varied environments.
  • Excellent electrical insulation
    Commonly used for cable sheathing and insulating layers due to reliable dielectric properties.
  • Easy processing
    Supports blow film, extrusion, injection molding and coating with wide processing window.
  • Lightweight & cost-effective
    Low density helps reduce material use and production cost for high-volume items.
  • Food-contact compatibility
    Selected grades meet FDA/EU food packaging requirements (grade-dependent).

Tip: Combine LDPE with other polymers or apply multi-layer structures to tailor mechanical or barrier properties.

LIMITATION

Main limitations to consider when selecting LDPE for a product.

  • Low heat resistance
    Softens at relatively low temperatures; not suitable for extended high-temperature exposure.
  • Limited rigidity
    Lower stiffness and structural strength compared with HDPE; not ideal for load-bearing parts.
  • Environmental stress cracking
    May develop cracks under prolonged mechanical stress or specific chemical exposures.
  • Weak barrier properties
    Limited resistance to oxygen and moisture compared with multilayer or specialty barrier films.
  • Poor oil & solvent resistance
    Certain oils and organic solvents can cause swelling or performance loss.

Mitigation: Use blends (LLDPE/HDPE), additives, or multi-layer constructions (e.g. EVOH barrier layer) to address specific limitations.

More Thermoplastic Shapes

Looking for Something Else?

Explore material possibilities for your engineering project by starting with the operating temperature of your application

60°C to 120°C

Engineering Plastics

Enhance component efficiency with lighter materials that deliver reliable performance and safety. Our range of Engineering Plastics—including UHMW-PE, PET, Nylon, acetal, and more—maintains consistent mechanical strength across a broad temperature window (about 60 °C to 120 °C ). These polymers also provide good machinability, dependable electrical properties, and strong chemical resistance for versatile application needs.

120°C to 230°C

Advanced Plastics

Maintain stable mechanical properties across a wide, high-temperature range. Our Advanced Engineering Plastics lineup—featuring premium grades of PEI, PSU, and PPS—is designed for applications operating between 120 °C and 230 °C . These materials offer enhanced dimensional stability, excellent creep resistance, strong electrical performance, and outstanding chemical resistance for demanding environments.

230°C to 425°C

Extreme Plastics

Our highest-performance machinable plastics—PEEK, PTFE, PI, and PAI —are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, delivering reliable performance even at temperatures up to 425 °C  and in the most demanding environments.