Canning and Fish Packaging Technology

Unit 9 - Plastics for Packaging

9.2.4. High density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE gives a stiffer film than LDPE and has higher barrier properties to water vapour and gases by a factor of around 5. Because of extra stiffness and strength, HDPE can be used as a very thin film, eg : 10 µm, when it is similar to grease proof tissue paper, it is water proof and hence used for butcher wrappings. As it is tough, it is used for making super market carry bags. As HDPE does not soften at 100^oC, it may be used in the manufacture of boil-in-bag type packages.