LDPE or HDPE: which to choose

Almost all bags are made of two types of polyethylene: low⁠-⁠density (LDPE) and high⁠-⁠density (HDPE). You can tell them apart by touch, and for a business the difference is in price, look and purpose.

LDPE — soft and smooth

• Soft, stretchy, doesn't rustle.
• Holds print well — the logo comes out bright.
• Used for punched and loop handle bags, food packaging and greenhouses.

HDPE — thin and strong

• Stiff, rustles, slightly matte.
• Stronger than LDPE at the same thickness, so the bag can be thinner and cheaper.
• Used for vest carrier bags, produce bags and bin bags.

A quick rule

Need cheap, strong everyday packaging — choose HDPE. Need a bag customers will want to keep and that advertises your brand — choose LDPE.

There are blends too: additives make HDPE softer and LDPE stronger. Tell us what you pack and how many bags you use a month — we'll pick the material and thickness and quote a price for the batch.