HDPE Plastic Sheets

We extrude a range of Polyethylene (PE) sheet suited for fabrication, thermoforming and building construction applications. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) sheet is the most widely used thermoplastic polymer for fabricated parts due to its excellent chemical and impact resistance.

Overview

We extrude a range of Polyethylene (PE) sheet suited for fabrication and thermoforming, and ideal for automotive, utilities and building applications.

Although PP sheet is stronger and more rigid than HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), HDPE sheet is the most widely used thermoplastic polymer for fabricated parts due to its excellent chemical and impact resistance, and electrical properties.

High Density Polyethylene is semi-transparent (translucent), which assists in limiting light entry when storing items that are sensitive to light. HDPE can be a better option to make thermoformed roof parts because it transmits scattered light rather than direct light.

HDPE creates a lower static charge than PP, so it attracts less dust and dirt than PP.

HDPE provides good chemical resistance and UV resistance without adding stabilisation additives making it the ideal plastic sheet for applications where UV resistance is important.

HDPE is also known for its resistance to mildew and corrosion, that is why it is commonly used for a variety of sanitation applications as well as construction applications.

Applications

Industries & Applications

  • Vacuum forming – Lids and bases of IBC’s
  • Automotive – Thermoformed panels
  • Portable Toilets – Thermoformed door and wall panels
  • Building & construction – Door and wall facades
  • Utilities – Electrical and gas cable covers

Variants

Size & formats (all in mm’s):

  • 1.5 – 9.5mm gauge
  • Maximum width 2000* (dependent on gauge)
  • Sheet lengths up to 6000
  • Rolls: 1-5mm gauge, 1900 wide, maximum lengths based on practical load limits

Colours & finishes

  • Standard colours white, black, yellow, blue, red, green, and light grey
  • Customise to Pantone and corporate colour
  • Dual colour / co-extrusion options
  • Finishes: Smooth, Gloss, Levant (embossed look), Pinseal (sand look)

Polyethylene

The Polyethylene Family

Corex manufactures many variants of Polyethylene to suit specific applications including; HDPE, VLDPE, LDPE, HMWPE and TPE.

All of the PE variants are recyclable making them a very good choice for companies seeking sustainable solutions for the end of life of their materials.

Properties of each Polyethylene family member

  1. VLDPE : Very Low-Density Polyethylene (VLDPE) has a higher alpha-olefin content than the other types of polyethylene. The flexible alkyl branches of the alpha-olefins lower the packing density, and crystallinity which, in turn, results in high toughness and but it has very low tensile strength. Flexibility of VLDPE is much higher than HDPE and even higher than LDPE.
  2. LDPE: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is more flexible compared to HDPE. It has lower tensile strength, heat deflection temperature and melting point than HDPE but has higher resilience. The tensile strength of LDPE is more than VLDPE but less than HDPE. Compared to HDPE, it has a higher degree of short and long side-chain branching. Branching decreases the tendency of the molecules to pack closely together which results in lower density and crystallinity and it makes better flexibility and toughness.
  3. HDPE: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is much denser, more rigid and less permeable than the other types of polyethylene with the exceptions of HMWPE and UHMWPE. HDPE is much stronger and harder than LDPE.
  4. WMWPE: High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) is commonly used where high wear and abrasion resistant is needed. Also, HMWPE offers a better consistent and durable cutting surface than HDPE.
  5. TPE: Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is a flexible and rubber like material that can be processed like other common plastics. Normal TPE can be made through blending of a rubbery material. Thermoplastic Elastomers have high tear resistance and soft touch feeling that making them useful in automotive applications. They are a good energy dampener (sound and impact) and they are grippy. TPE is also easily colourable. TPE’s can be produced in a wide range of hardness from soft-touch TPE in the Shore A range, to harder Shore D TPE grades.

Other advantages of TPEs are:

  • High flow for easy moulding
  • Flexible in cold weather
  • Vibration damping and noise-reducing

Polypropylene Sheets

We also make a range of polypropylene sheet for both industrial and graphic applications.

Corex polypropylene Solid Sheet is suitable for die-cutting and thermoforming for industrial applications. Single profile and co-extruded profiles available with a variety surface finishes. Find out more.

Promeg® is Australia’s locally made 100% recyclable polypropylene sheet. It has a premium and cosmetic finish, designed to be screen, digitally or offset printed. PROMEG® is designed for retail marketing, consumer packaging and stationery applications. Find out more.

HDPE Sheets FAQs

Not sure what plastic sheet is best for your application? Here are some answers to some of your questions about PP and HDPE sheets.

  • Can I recycle HDPE?
    Yes! All of the PE variants are recyclable making them a very good choice for companies seeking sustainable solutions for the end of life of their materials. We take back HDPE, LDPE and  other thermoforming off-cuts. Read more about Corex Recycling.
  • Which plastic is stiffer? PP or PE?
    Polypropylene (PP) is stiffer and generally more rigid than polyethylene (PE). An example of where plastic sheet rigidity is required is Layer Pads . Layer Pads are designed to create protection between product layers on pallets when transporting glass and other fragile products.
  • How do Corex and Megara work together?
    Corex and Megara joined forces in 2022 with the aim of delivering local customers with an Australian plastic manufacturing and recycling one-stop-shop. Although the two companies remain separate, we come together to share knowledge and services for our customers. Megara makes their own graphic grade polypropylene sheet, PROMEG®. With a beautiful high-end finish and carbon neutral certifications, PROMEG® polypropylene sheet is the material of choice for retail display (POS display), consumer packaging and stationery markets. Read the merger announcement.
  • I want to create a box that’s resilient against bacteria. What’s the best plastic sheet?
    PP is a better option to protect against bacteria.
  • Is HDPE resilient to mildew and corrosion?
    PE is known for its resistance to mildew and corrosion which is why it is commonly used for a variety of sanitation applications as well as construction applications.
  • Which plastic sheet is best for UV resistance? PP or HDPE?
    Both PP and HDPE provide good chemical and UV resistance, however PP requires stabilisation with additives, while generally PE has better UV resistance compared to PP. PE may be preferred in those applications where UV resistance is important.
  • Which plastic sheet attracts less dust?
    PE creates a lower static charge than PP, so it attracts less dust and dirt than PP. Anti-static additives can be added to PP to make it less dust absorbent.
  • What plastic is more transparent, PE or PP?
    Generally, PP is more transparent than PE, so PP can be used for applications where some light transfer is important. On the other hand, PE is semi-transparent (translucent), which is helpful for limiting light entry when storing items that are sensitive to light. PE is a better option to make thermoformed roof parts because it will create scattered light rather than allow direct light.
  • What plastic is best for boxes with hinged lids?
    One of the main advantages of polypropylene (PP) over polyethylene (PE), is its superior fatigue resistance. A hinge made from PP can be opened and closed over and over again. This is especially important when designing a product where a hinge will get repeat use. PP is a better option for hinged lids used in packaging.
The circular economy

Products that never go into the ground

At Corex, we believe plastic can be of great benefit to our society, when managed responsibly. We are industry leaders in facilitating the truly sustainable existence of plastic in our world.

Find out more about Plastic Recycling with Corex.

Other Corex products

Corex’s local assets, experience and general team know-how allows us to offer services at every stage of a product’s lifecycle.

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Promeg® Polypropylene Sheets
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Solid Plastic Sheeting
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Corflute®
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Bulk Packaging
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Services we offer

Corex’s local assets, experience and general team know-how allows us to offer services at every stage of a product’s lifecycle.

Services Overview
Recycling
Market leaders in plastic recycling within Australia and globally.
Read More
Bespoke Solutions
Our product designers and polymer specialists will work with you to create products that are 100%…
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Design & Engineering
Experts in designing solutions made from Corflute®.
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Prototyping
Market test and refine your product before the production run.
Read More
Polymer Science
We engineer PP, HDPE and other polymer blends with specific qualities to suit customer’s…
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