High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from ethylene and characterized by a high strength-to-density ratio, chemical resistance, durability and relatively low moisture absorption. It is widely used in packaging and industrial applications, including milk and detergent bottles, caps, pipes, crates, containers and household products. HDPE is commonly identified by resin identification code 2. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics because it can be mechanically processed into secondary materials for products such as pipes, containers, construction materials and plastic lumber. Recycling performance depends on collection systems, contamination levels, color, additives and the ability of sorting facilities to correctly identify and separate HDPE from other polymers.