Low Density Polyethylene (4)

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

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[1]. 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[1].

Context

LDPE (4) is a thermoplastic that is created from the monomer ethylene[2] - 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)[3].

LDPE (4) comes in two forms - rigid LDPE (4) and soft LDPE (4); both of which can be recycled[3].

This type of plastic is often utilised in film applications because it is relatively transparent, as well as being flexible and tough[2]. It is also used to produce some flexible bottles and lids, as well as being used in some cable and wire applications[2].

Applications

LDPE (4) can be found in a number of different items around the home[2]:

Pallet wrap
Squeezeable bottles i.e. hand cream tubes
Shrink Wrap
Plastic film
Packaging
Bags and coverings
Clear plastic bags - frozen food bags, bin liners, household garbage and bakery bags.

LDPE (4) can be recycled but it is not currently widely recycled via kerbside collection systems throughout the UK but will expand in England under Simpler Recycling in 2027. Check with the Local Authority to determine if it is collected for recycling in a particular area.