Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) are flexible, odorless, transparent, and 100%

recyclable thermoplastic polymer are widely used. It is frequently found in goods like
cling wrap, juice containers, and grocery/garbage bags. Million tons of LDPE are
produced each year to meet demand, thanks to its versatility, toughness, and resistance
to corrosion in engineering applications as well as its low-cost, high-efficiency
production process. On plastic products, LDPE is designated by the number "4"
enclosed in an arrow triangle and completely recyclable thermoplastic polymer. Long
chains of ethylene molecules, or monomers, which can be represented by the form
(C2H4) n, make up the thermoplastic polymer known as polyethylene, which is obtained
from petroleum (Xometry, 2022).

Depending on the production techniques employed, the final material's

properties will change. The distinctive qualities of LDPE in the family of polyethylene
materials can be attributed to its highly branched, tree-branch-like bonding structure.
Due to its reduced crystallinity and characteristic branching, LDPE differs significantly
from more linear kinds of polyethylene like high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear
low-density polyethylene in terms of flexibility and ductility (LLDPE) (Xometry, 2022).

Polyethylene has so many advantages, it has been employed to create a wide

range of products over the years. Due of its many beneficial characteristics, it can be
used in a variety of applications. It is exceedingly ductile and has good impact strength
while having low strength and hardness, it will stretch rather than break. In comparison
to other polymers, polyethylene is more durable and resistant to water, therefore it lasts
longer when exposed to the weather. Although it is a good electric insulator and offers
resistance to electric trembling, it is susceptible to electrostatic charge and antistatic
substances will stop this. The transparency of LDPE can range from almost clear to
opaque, depending on its thickness. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is useful for
packing because of its clarity. It is more economical to recycle polyethylene as HDPE
into other products than to manufacture a new product from fresh plastic. Low-density
polyethylene has a melting point range of 105 oC to 115oC while medium to high-density
polyethylene has a melting point range of 120 oC to 180oC. It may be used in both high
and low temperatures thanks to its excellent heat resistance qualities (McCartney,
2020).

Furthermore, despite being widely used, it has a few drawbacks that may
discourage producers and consumers from utilizing it. The polymer can spend decades
in landfills, which are running out of capacity for since, like many other plastics, it takes
a long time to decompose. Incineration is another option for getting rid of polyethylene,
although this method may release hazardous gases. The primary sources of
polyethylene are petroleum and natural gas, both of which have a finite supply and
carbon dioxide emissions from the production of polyethylene, a greenhouse gas that
contributes to global warming and climate change, are consistently greater. Although
most plastic polymers can potentially be recycled, sorting through all of the different
varieties is expensive and difficult (McCartney, 2020).

Therefore, the most well-known and often used plastic in the world,
polyethylene is found in shampoo bottles, toys, and shopping bags. Annual production
of the material's resins exceeds 100 million tons, or 34% of the global plastics market.
Although less rigid than HDPE plastics, LDPE plastics are similar to them. They are
popular in plastic films, such as those used to wrap meat and commercially baked
foods, six-pack rings, and squeeze bottles like those used for ketchup and mustard.
High impact strength, exceptional chemical resistance, and effective wear absorption all
characterize LDPE. LDPE plastics, like PET and HDPE plastics, can contain your food
products without letting any hazardous substances to seep out or allowing germs to
penetrate. The least expensive material for plastic films is LDPE. It has strong
resistances to moisture, tearing, and chemicals and is clear, soft, flexible, flexible, and
shiny. It is most frequently found in plastic bags, but it is also widely utilized in flexible
lids, squeezable food bottles, and frozen and bread packing (Firn, 2020).
 REFFERENCE

Xometry, T. (2022, May 17). Low density polyethylene (LDPE). Xometrys RSS.
Retrieved January 2, 2023, from
https://www.xometry.com/resources/materials/low-density-polyethylene-ldpe/

McCartney, I. (2020, December 17). The advantages and disadvantages of

polyethylene. Kempner. Retrieved January 1, 2023, from
https://kempner.co.uk/2019/05/08/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-
polyethylene-blog/

Firn, C. (2020, October 21). Types of plastic food packaging. Point Five Packaging.
Retrieved January 2, 2023, from https://www.p5pkg.com/blog/types-of-plastic-
food-packaging/