Polypropylene Bags vs Polyethylene Bags

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plastic are frequently considered to be the two most popular options when selecting plastic bags. Bags made of polyethylene and polypropylene are both plastics, but they aren't interchangeable in most cases. There are many different kinds of plastic packaging available; choosing one will rely on your individual requirements.

When it comes to selecting plastic bags, most people take into consideration either polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) plastic. Both types of plastic are known as thermoplastics. Even though polyethylene and polypropylene bags are both made of plastic, they are not frequently employed for the same tasks or to package the same kinds of items. In this article, we look at polypropylene bags vs polyethylene bags.

Because of their transparency, polypropylene bags are frequently used in the food and medical industries, as well as any other sector where customers need to be able to view the product before buying it.

It is widespread practise to use polypropylene bags for storing and transporting food, for packaging electronics, and in hospitals to prevent the spread of disease. They find additional use in the packaging of a huge variety of consumer goods across many different sectors and fields, including the automotive industry.

Polypropylene bags are inexpensive, sturdy, flexible, and resistant to vapor, moisture, and dirt; lightweight; resistant to cracking and organic solvents; useful with food; and flexible.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene is an oil-based material. It is one of the most ubiquitous plastics and can be found in countless commonplace items like grocery bags. Bags composed of polyethylene are created by first extruding a thin plastic sheet, which is then cut and heat-sealed. 

Polyethylene bags can be see-through or opaque with a small haze that lets you see the stuff within, but not in great detail. Products that need extra protection while shipping can benefit greatly from being placed within a polyethylene bag. Polyethylene bags are commonly used in the industrial sector for the packaging and storage of bulky objects such as machining components.

Polyethylene plastic is commonly used by museums and archives to prevent sun damage to valuable artefacts. To the same end, this is the standard bag used by comic book shops and collectors alike. Unprotected exposure to sunlight can depreciate the value of books and other artwork by erasing text and fading visuals.

High density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are the types of polyethylene plastics that are utilised the most frequently.

LDPE is a popular material for making bags because of its high tensile strength, crystal clear appearance, malleability, and waterproof properties. Additionally, it can withstand the presence of most caustic substances. Furthermore, polyethylene bags offer great moisture protection, a wide range of printing options, short production periods, and a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles to suit your needs.

Polyethylene bags have a wide range of applications, both in the home and in industry. Some of these applications include the production of pipes, bottles, cans, tubing, plastic film wraps, polythene grocery bags, and a great deal more.

What are the differences between Polyethylene and Polypropylene Bags?

Flexibility

Polyethylene, due to its elasticity and stretchiness, is ideal for use in food packaging. Polypropylene is far less pliable than other plastics, but it is more harder to break. The plastic's pliability increases or decreases with the Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) or Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) orientation you give it.

Resilience to Heat and Chemicals

Polypropylene is more robust in extreme heat than polyethylene. The first can endure temperatures up to 170 degrees Celsius while the second can only handle temperatures between 105 and 115 degrees Celsius.

Polyethylene, in this situation, is more resistant at low temperatures, preserving its properties down to -80 °C. The only temperature above which polypropylene maintains its characteristics is 0 degrees Celsius.

One of the most notable distinctions between polypropylene and polyethylene is the latter's superior resilience to abrasive acids, despite polyethylene's greater resistance to wear and tear.

Color and Transparency

In comparison to polyethylene, polypropylene is extremely lightweight. The first, in its purest state, is a transparent white, while polyethylene has no discernible hue. Improvements in see-throughness, tear resistance, puncture resistance, etc.and more are all the result of specialized industrial extrusion techniques designed for use in the packaging sector.

Can these Bags be Recycled?

Because of their thermoplastic nature, it's simple to reuse and recycle polypropylene and polyethylene containers for food. So, they may be repeatedly shaped because they melt in high-heat situations. Recyclability allows for a second life for these two plastics in particular. On the other hand, polyethylene is the more common material to be recycled.

Application

It's not just for food storage that polyethylene and polypropylene are versatile materials.

•    The specialized polypropylene sheet PP FLOC is commonly used as insulation for car-interior components, doors, and windows.

•    When it comes to plastic bags, polyethylene is a popular choice. Bags of any kind, including those used for shopping or trash collection, are examples.

•    Polypropylene is used extensively in adhesive tapes due to its high strength.

•    High-density polyethylene is widely utilised in the toy industry.

•    Stackable plastic storage boxes are typically built from polypropylene due to its durability and resistance to abrasion.

•    Greenhouses and geothermal blankets are used in farming, normally hybrids of PE and PP.

Because of their unique properties, both polymers are rarely used for the same purposes when it comes to food packaging.

•    Hot-tack, or resistance to heat sealing, is an important quality in food packaging, and it's why it is  used for things like nuts, rice, and sauces. The majority of the material is biaxially-oriented polypropylene.

•    Polypropylene is ideal for microwaveable packaging because it can withstand very high temperatures without melting.

•    Polypropylene is ideally suited for undergoing heat treatments like sterilising and pasteurisation. However, polyethylene can only be pasteurised.

In Summary

All things considered, polyethylene bags and polypropylene bags serve different purposes and have different qualities. In comparison to polypropylene bags, polyethylene bags are more affordable and commonly accessible, however, they are not as sturdy or durable. They're also potentially harmful to the environment and a source of plastic waste. Polypropylene bags, on the other hand, are not only more eco-friendly but also more robust and long-lasting. They're more costly and can be trickier to print on, though. Polyethylene bags find widespread use in the packaging and transport of lightweight objects.

Have a look at our polypropylene bags on sale. Contact our team today for more information.