Low Density Polyethylene (4)
LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) is a type of plastic often used in plastic bags and wrapping material that is also referred to as LDPE (4).
LDPE (4) (low density polyethylene) is a soft, flexible, lightweight plastic material. LDPE (4) is noted for its low temperature flexibility, toughness, and corrosion resistance[1]. It is not suited for applications where stiffness, high temperature resistance and structural strength are required.
LDPE (4) was the first polyethylene to be produced during the 1930s. LDPE (4) has good chemical and impact resistance and is easy to fabricate and form[1].
Context
LDPE (4) is a thermoplastic that is created from the monomer ethylene[2] - the same as HDPE (2) - with LDPE (4) having a lower density than HDPE (2) making it slightly more malleable and not as strong as HDPE (2)[3].
LDPE (4) comes in two forms - rigid LDPE (4) and soft LDPE (4); both of which can be recycled[3].
This type of plastic is often utilised in film applications because it is relatively transparent, as well as being flexible and tough[2]. It is also used to produce some flexible bottles and lids, as well as being used in some cable and wire applications[2].
Applications
LDPE (4) can be found in a number of different items around the home[2]:
- Pallet wrap
- Squeezeable bottles i.e. hand cream tubes
- Shrink Wrap
- Plastic film
- Packaging
- Bags and coverings
- Clear plastic bags - frozen food bags, bin liners, household garbage and bakery bags.
LDPE (4) can be recycled but it is not currently widely recycled via kerbside collection systems throughout the UK but will expand in England under Simpler Recycling in 2027. Check with the Local Authority to determine if it is collected for recycling in a particular area.
LDPE Foam
LDPE Bales (Clear)
Facial wash gel bottle made of LDPE
Food Bags
Local Authority Waste
The Top 10 Authorities removing LDPE [4].
| FY | AUTHORITY | OPERATOR | ADDRESS | TONNES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23/24 | Carmarthenshire County Council | Re-Gen Waste Ltd [Clean MRF] | Unit 7, Shepherd's Drive, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, Co. Down | 9,018.0 |
| 23/24 | Sevenoaks District Council | Multiple destinations | Multiple | 2,220.0 |
| 23/24 | Cardiff County Council | Monoworld Recycling Ltd | Monoworld Rushden, 19-26 Sanders Lodge, Rushden, Northamptonshire | 1,411.0 |
| 23/24 | Carmarthenshire County Council | 1,043.0 | ||
| 24/24 | Argyll & Bute | Not Available | Not Available | 1,032.0 |
| 23/24 | Surrey Heath Borough Council | Outside UK-EU | Facility Outside The UK But Within the EU | 971.0 |
| 23/24 | Carmarthenshire County Council | Outside UK-EU | Trans Sabater S.ACl Virigin del Olivar 14, Riabarroja del Turia Valencia, 46190, Spain | 958.0 |
| 23/24 | Neath Port Talbot CBC | Derwen Plant Ltd | Neath Abbey Wharf, Skewen, Neath, Neath Port Talbot | 957.0 |
| 23/24 | Ealing LB | Subcoal Production Teesside (UK) | Huntsman Drive, Port Clarence, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough | 748.0 |
| 23/24 | Torfaen CBC | 628.0 |
