HDPE vs LDPE: choosing the right film for your bags

Both are polyethylene, but HDPE is stiff and tough while LDPE is soft and clear — the wrong choice changes both feel and cost.

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) has tightly packed, highly crystalline chains, giving it strength, stiffness and puncture resistance. At the same thickness it carries more load and uses less material. Its crisp, slightly matte feel suits vest bags, trash-bag rolls and heavy-duty flat-top liners where load and cost matter.

LDPE (low-density polyethylene) has branched, low-crystallinity chains, so it is softer, clearer and more elastic, with strong, leak-resistant seals. It suits courier bags, food inner bags and packaging that needs high clarity or toughness.

LLDPE (linear low-density PE) sits between the two: it keeps LDPE's softness but resists tearing and impact better, and is often blended with LDPE or HDPE to balance feel, strength and cost.

Rule of thumb: need stiffness, load and material savings, lean HDPE; need softness, clarity and sealing, lean LDPE or LLDPE. For custom orders we recommend a material blend and thickness based on your use, load and budget.

On thickness: the industry measures single-side thickness in microns (μm) or si (1 si = 0.01 mm). Thicker means more load but higher cost — the goal is enough and consistent, not simply as thick as possible.

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