Polyethylene is the most

common form of plastic. Both

low-density polyethylene and

high-density polyethylene

are used to manufacture a

vast number of everyday

products. When recycled,

other commonly used

products are created as well.

For this reason, recycling

plastics is important to

maximize resources and

reduce pollution.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is known as a thermoplastic, or thermosoftening

plastic. It is not reactive at room temperatures and can withstand a range of

temperatures. It is made in translucent and opaque variations, and while it is quite

flexible and tough, it is also breakable.

LDPE is used for manufacturing products such as:

• Plastic bags

• Trays, containers, snap-on lids

• Corrosion-resistant work surfaces

• Six pack rings

• Packaging for computer hardware

• Playground slides

• Plastic wraps

LDPE is not often recycled

through curbside programs,

but products can be dropped

off at a designated location

for recycling.

Recycled LDPE makes

many products, including:

• Trash cans and liners

• Shipping envelopes

• Lumber

• Floor tiles

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

is a thermoplastic made

from petroleum. It has a large

strength-to-density ratio, is

opaque, and can withstand high

temperatures.

HDPE is used for manufacturing

products such as:

• Plastic bottles

• Plastic lumber

• Hard hats

• Food storage containers

• Fuel tanks for vehicles

• 3-D printer filament

HDPE is collected through most curbside

recycling programs. It is non-biodegradable

and can take centuries to decompose, so

recycling is crucial.

Recycled HDPE makes many products,

including:

• Rope

• Toys

• Recycling bins

• Trash cans

Recycling contributes to a

reduction in resource

consumption and pollution.

From a business

perspective, it can be more

cost efficient to produce a

product from recycled

plastic than it is to

manufacture virgin plastic.

Additionally, recycling

produces the monetary

benefit of getting paid for

plastic scrap.

Polychem USA is a leader in recycling plastic waste materials, with 70 years of

service to the plastics recycling industry. We proudly turn plastic scrap and

plastic film into useful material that can be used to make a variety of products.

For information or a quote, please contact us at www.polychem-usa.com.