Polyethylene vs Polypropylene : What's the Difference?

Q

When it is about selecting plastic bags, two choices are generally considered: polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Even though PE and PP bags are both plastic materials, they are not commonly used for similar purposes. Determining which kind of plastic bags to use relies on your particular requirements and use.

When comparing polypropylene with polyethylene, you will know that they have many things in common. They find use in various industries, and both have very similar chemical designs. Furthermore, there are also some main differences between polyethylene and polypropylene that you must consider before choosing any material for your use.

What is Polyethylene (PE) Bags?

Polyethylene bags are semi-transparent with a bit of haze to them that lets you see the things inside, even though the specifics of the contents will not be clear. Polyethylene bags are perfect for packing goods that need an increased level of safety. Most industries use polyethylene bags for packing and keeping large, bulky things like automated machining parts. The essential features of polyethylene bags are:

• See-through or opaque

• Tear-proof

• Flexible and durable

• Less scraped area

• Soft and compliant
  
  

Benefits of Polyethylene (PE) Bags

Polyethylene has many benefits, involving particularly high freezing and melting points. It is made by the polymerization of ethylene monomers. Some of the features and benefits of polyethylene bags are:

• Inactive and luminous, which develops a lower stable charge

• Stopping excessive light from getting into the bag, which safeguards the contents

• Bringing in less dirt, dust, and different unwanted external elements

• Less pricey than polypropylene

• More resistant to cold temperatures and wearing away
  
  

What is Polypropylene (PP) Bags?

Polypropylene bags are transparent, making them perfect for the medical industry, food, or any other niche where customers need to evidently see a product before buying. The main features of polypropylene bags are:

• Staying power

• Corrosion-proof

• Clear transparency

• Compliant at increased temperatures

• Hard plastic

• High environmental protection
  
  

Benefits of Polypropylene (PP) Bags

Defined by a more clear appearance and increased tensile power, polypropylene bags provide an increased heat and chemical retardation than polyethylene bags. Polypropylene packing can be formed with stiff defensive edges, making it the best for covering solutions that stop cuts to the products. It also provides unique safety next to moisture, debris, and vapors. Some of the particular features and advantages of polypropylene bags are:

• Higher resistance to chemicals, scratches, and temperatures

• Hard plastic

• Translucent for magnificent product representation

• Incomparable vapor and moisture blockade

• Meet USDA and FDA specifications
  
  

Difference Between Polypropylene and Polyethylene Bags

Polypropylene bags (PP) and Polyethylene bags (PE) are two main types of plastic bags. Both of these materials share various similarities because they are created from polymers. Moreover, there are some important differences between PP and PE, making them exclusive from each other.

Both bags simply have usage in retail stores for packaging. Nevertheless, Polypropylene bags are stronger and have more life than Polyethylene bags. Apart from that, it has less acuteness with any of the liquids, making them conducive to carrying and storing a large range of food products, involving ketchup, yogurt, syrups, medicine, etc.

One more significant difference between polyethylene and polypropylene is chemical affinity. Polypropylene bags have increased chemical resistance and melting point at room temperature compared to polyethylene bags– making them perfect for keeping hot substances. The higher resistance also makes polypropylene bags appropriate for food packaging use.

Likewise, in comparison to polyethylene bags, polypropylene bags are crystal clear. This feature makes polypropylene bags easy to check the things inside. However, polyethylene bags creates a transparent film, and its murky material makes it difficult to see the materials inside.

Polypropylene bags are also more resistant to decay and chemical percolation– the method of a solute becoming disconnected or removed from its carrier element through the solvent, which makes it perfect for storing different bases, solvents, and acids.

In comparison to polypropylene bags, polyethylene bags are transparent, making them an effective packing substance to keep contents impacted by sunlight. For a similar reason, polyethylene bags are frequently used in museums to keep historical and archival things protected.

High-density polyethylene bag is a constituent of the polyethylene family with increased tensile power than polypropylene or PP bags. Hence, these bags can hold a huge weight without breaking down.

The last significant difference between PP and PE bags is the usage. PP bags are used to make bottles of soft drinks, parts of the automobile, ropes, hinges, rugs, abrasion-holding mats, and roofing layers.

Further, polyethylene is mostly used in manufacturing geomembranes, plastic bags and sheets for construction plans.

These are the main PP and PE differences that differentiate them and make them particular in their individual terms. Now let us find out which bag is the best to use.

Which one is better: Polypropylene Bags Or Polyethylene Bags?

The answer to this question is based on your use.
If you wish to stock or send heavy machines or ample weight, polyethylene bags can be an effective choice. Additionally, if you are going to send or stock a chemical substance with increased chemical affinity, polypropylene bags can be a perfect option.
Likewise, when you wish to stock and dispatch agricultural goods sensitive to heat and moisture, polypropylene bags must be chosen. Otherwise, polyethylene bags should be preferred for utility bags and shopping bags.

Summary

Polyethylene and polypropylene are undoubtedly the two most commonly used poly bag types today. When finding out the best alternative for your requirements, it is essential to know the benefits and the key differences between polyethylene and polypropylene bags that each provides. If you require any help in selecting the right one, reach out to Universal Bags today.