Polyethylene bags are used as liners in the transportation of bulk materials. This is an essential component of ensuring that materials like grains, chemicals, or powders are kept safe from contamination and moisture.
There are various polyethylene materials that can be used for these liners, each varying in flexibility, strength and cost-effectiveness.
In this blog, we’ll review the three main polyethylene categories, which are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), to see which of these are the preferred materials for polyethylene liners.
HDPE
HDPE is a strong, dense, and rigid material with a tightly packed molecular structure, which makes it highly resistant to chemical degradation and impact. It is commonly used where stiffness and durability are crucial, such as in piping, hard plastic containers, and industrial tanks.
The high tensile strength offered by HDPE is excellent for chemical resistance, but it doesn’t offer much flexibility.
As such, HDPE liners are not a popular choice for bulk bags.
LDPE
LDPE is much more flexible than HDPE. This form of polyethylene has a more branched molecular structure, resulting in a softer material that is more pliable and therefore ideal for the formation of thin films used in packaging and liners.
The moisture resistance, softness, and flexibility make it attractive as a liner material, although it has a comparatively lower tensile strength than HDPE.
LDPE is the most common material used in polyethylene liners because of its easy mouldability, pliability and adaptability to various shapes.
This material is great for creating liners that are lightweight and cost-effective, while still offering protection against chemicals and moisture.
LLDPE
LLDPE is a more advanced version of LDPE, offering additional strength and puncture resistance. However, it still offers the same degree of flexibility.
Often, this material is the preferred choice for polyethylene liners because it strikes an ideal balance between flexibility and strength. Even though it costs slightly more than LDPE, it remains an affordable option.
The superior resistance to tearing and punctures makes it an important material for dealing with heavy and even sharp materials, while the flexibility still allows it to conform to the shape of the goods being transported.
The enhanced durability of LLDPE protects the cargo from moisture and contaminants, ensuring safe transportation even in rough conditions.
Tufbag manufactures a variety of polyethylene bags as well as woven polypropylene bags for bulk transport purposes. Contact us today to find out more about our product range or to place an order.