HDPE (High-density polyethylene)

Injection at 180–250 °C, mould at 20–60 °C. Low viscosity → good filling. High shrinkage (1.5–3.0 %) → adjustment of mould dimensions essential. Crystallisation influenced by cooling rate. No pre-drying required.

Is HDPE recyclable?<br />
Yes. HDPE corresponds to resin code #2 and is presented by the source consulted as one of the most widely and effectively recycled plastics. This good recyclability explains its major role in rigid packaging and material reuse applications. <br />
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Le PEHD est bien recyclé car il s'agit d'un plastique polyvalent, abondant et dont la valeur est relativement élevée par rapport à d'autres plastiques. Il est utilisé dans une grande variété de produits, ce qui contribue à la disponibilité des matériaux recyclés. De plus, le PEHD est assez facile à trier et à nettoyer, ce qui en fait une cible attrayante pour les installations de recyclage. Le processus de recyclage du PEHD est également bien établi et efficace, générant un matériau qui peut être utilisé pour fabriquer de nouveaux produits de haute qualité, tels que des bouteilles, des tuyaux, des jouets et des meubles.<br />
Because it benefits from a mature collection, sorting, washing, grinding and regranulation process, particularly for rigid packaging. Its value increases significantly when clean, natural rHDPE, with little contamination from pigments, labels, metals or adhesives, is obtained. <br />
What elements complicate its recycling?<br />
Elements that hinder recyclability include dark or black caps, overly covering labels, adhesives that do not separate well during washing, certain metal components, and decorations unsuitable for optical sorting. The APR stresses the need to design HDPE packaging so that it remains detectable and separable in automated sorting lines.

Some grades of polyethylene can be used for food contact, but this is never an “automatic” property of any HDPE material. Compliance depends on the grade, additives, process, intended use, and available regulatory documentation.<br />
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The framework is Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials intended for contact with food. The essential idea, for a material data sheet, is that the compliance of the final product relies on migration, intended use, and the transmission of a Declaration of Conformity throughout the supply chain.<br />
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In the United States, 21 CFR 177.1520 covers olefin polymers, including polyethylene, for food contact applications. The text sets specifications for density, extractables and leachables, and notably distinguishes polyethylene used for standard articles, for cooking-related uses, or as a component of food contact coatings.