The difference between PE film and PP film – Công Ty TNHH SX & TM Bảo Mã

Many customers when choosing material films to produce plastic packaging will wonder about PE film and PP film – which is better. But it’s not about being better – the point is – what is your product? What are you wanting to do? Both of these plastics are considered superior for packaging production.

1. Let’s compare some of the properties of each

Mechanical Properties:

The density of polypropylene (PP) is between 0.895 and 0.92 g.cm. The density of polyethylene can vary from a low of 0.857 g/cm3 and to a maximum of 0.0975 gm/cm3. As you can see, PP has the lowest density. Polyethylene (PE) is further broken down into weights or densities which is done so the plastic can serve a more specific purpose. This is done during manufacturing.

The categories of Polyethylene are as follows: 

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is tough and resistant to chemicals. It is used to manufacture moving machine parts, bearings, gears, artificial joints, and some bulletproof vests.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE), recyclable plastic no. 2, is commonly used as milk jugs, liquid laundry detergent bottles, outdoor furniture, margarine tubs, portable gasoline cans, drinking water distribution systems, water drainage pipes, and grocery bags.

Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) is used for packaging film, sacks and gas pipes, and fittings.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is flexible and is used in the manufacture of squeeze bottles, milk jug caps, retail store bags, and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) as a stretch wrap in transporting and handling boxes of durable goods, and as the common household food covering.

Polypropylene which is normally tough and flexible can have its density altered with the addition of fillers.

Chemical Properties:

PP is resistant to fats and almost all organic solvents when it is at room temperature. It can withstand non-oxidizing acids and bases in containers made from polypropylene. Contrast this to polyethylene which is more chemically resistant. 

Polyethylene consists of non-polar, saturated, high molecular weight hydrocarbons. Therefore, its chemical behavior is similar to wax or paraffin. The individual macromolecules are not covalently linked. Overall polyethylene is partially crystalline. Higher crystallinity increases density and mechanical and chemical stability.

Read more: PP film and applications in life

Optical Properties:

PP can be made translucent when uncolored but it’s not as transparent as acrylic or other plastic. Often colored pigments are added.

PE on the other hand can be clear, milky-opaque, or opaque. The color is dependent on the thermal history and film thickness.

2. Uses of Polypropylene and Polyethylene:

Every day we have contact with PP or PE.  Polypropylene is used to make bottles, hinges, packaging materials, parts for automobiles, clear bags, ropes, rugs, roofing membranes, geotextiles, erosion control mats and so much more.

Polyethylene is vastly used in packaging (plastic bags, plastic films), geomembranes, and plastic sheeting to protect the environment for construction projects.

3. Summary of Properties:

PE film

PP film

Hardness: High

Stiffness: High

UV Resistance: Good

Chemical Resistance: Excellent

Toughness: Excellent

Impact Resistance: Good

Temperature Resistant: Higher

Price: Higher

Hardness: Medium

Stiffness: Medium

UV Resistance: Fair

Chemical Resistance: Excellent

Toughness: Excellent

Impact Resistance: Fair

Temperature Resistant: Lower

Price: Lower

Both Polypropylene and Polyethylene play a huge role in the world as we know it today.

4. Why choose us?

Bao Ma Production & Trading Co Ltd is complying with the ISO 9001-2015 which ensures the quality control system and the ability to produce different materials and sizes of poly bags and rolls, including:

• Packing products for agricultural, aquatic, food consumption, industrial purposes.

• Zip-lock bag, shopping bag, garbage bag, plastic carriers.

• Plastic sheeting

• Perforated plastic roll

• Poly roll of 2m – 4m measurement for the use of lining prawn-raising ponds, for construction sites and sewage system usage, and as cover sheets for agricultural and industrial purposes.

• Printing services on packages of up to 6 colors with customization

• Trading various plastic raw materials such as PP, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE…

So, please contact us via hotline: (028) 37540 999 – 096 314 5959 and let us be honored to serve you in the best way possible.

BAO MA PRODUCTION & TRADING COMPANY LIMITED

Address: No. 21 Tan Tao Industrial Park, Road No. 3, Tan Tao A Ward, Binh Tan District, HCMC

 Tel: (028) 37540 999 – 096 314 5959

 Email: info@poma.com.vn

 Website: www.poma.com.vn