LDPE (4)

LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) is a type of plastic often used in plastic bags and wrapping material that is captured as LDPE (4) in WikiWaste.

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. 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.

LDPE (4) is a thermoplastic that is created from the monomer ethylene.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). LDPE (4) comes in two forms - rigid LDPE (4) and soft LDPE (4); both of which can be recycled. This type of plastic is often utilised in film applications because it is relatively transparent, as well as being flexible and tough. It is also used to produce some flexible bottles and lids, as well as being used in some cable and wire applications.

LDPE (4) can be found in a number of different items around the home:

• Pallet wrap
• Containers
• Shrink Wrap
• Cling film
• Packaging
• Bags and coverings
• Clear plastic bags - frozen food bags, bin liners, household garbage and bakery bags.

• LDPE Examples
• 
  LDPE Foam
• 
  LDPE Bales
• 
  Facial wash gel bottle made of LDPE
• 
  Food Bags

Properties

Ease of processing; strength; flexibility; ease of sealing; moisture barrier.

Common Applications

Frozen food bags; squeezable bottles, e.g. honey, mustard; cling films; flexible container lids.