What’s the Difference Between PE and PP?

If you’re looking to make the best decision for your packaging products, especially in industries like manufacturing, food processing, or retail, understanding the difference between PP and PE is essential. Let’s break down their properties, applications, and which material may suit your needs better.

What Is Polyethylene (PE)?

Polyethylene (PE) is the most commonly used plastic worldwide. It’s a thermoplastic polymer derived from the polymerization of ethylene. PE is popular for its flexibility, moisture resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

There are a few types of PE relevant to packaging:

• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Soft, flexible, and transparent. Commonly used in plastic bags, food packaging, and protective film.
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): More rigid and durable than LDPE. Often used for shopping bags, liners, and industrial-strength packaging.
• Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): Offers improved tensile strength and is often used for heavy-duty bags and liners.

Learn the differences between HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE Plastic Bags

Key Properties of PE:

• Soft and flexible (especially LDPE)
• Excellent moisture barrier
• Good chemical resistance
• Low melting point (~105–115°C)
• Translucent or opaque appearance

What Is Polypropylene (PP)?

Polypropylene (PP) is another thermoplastic polymer, made from propylene monomers. It is more rigid and heat-resistant than PE, making it ideal for applications that demand durability and shape retention.

PP is commonly used in:

• Woven bags and sacks
• Transparent packaging with better gloss
• Food containers that require heat resistance

Key Properties of PP:

• Tough and rigid
• Higher melting point (~130–170°C)
• Resistant to fatigue (ideal for repeated use)
• Good chemical and moisture resistance
• More transparent than PE in its natural state

PE vs PP: A Side-by-Side Comparison

PE vs PP: Key Differences Summary

Polyethylene (PE) is generally more flexible, has a lower melting point, and offers excellent moisture resistance. It’s commonly used for items like plastic bags, stretch film, and industrial liners. PE is also more widely accepted for recycling (codes #2 and #4).

On the other hand, Polypropylene (PP) is more rigid, can withstand higher temperatures, and has greater tensile strength. It’s ideal for hot food packaging, rigid containers, and applications that require structure and durability.

Although recyclable (code #5), PP is less commonly accepted in standard recycling programs compared to PE.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Packaging Products

When deciding between PE and PP, it all comes down to what you’re packaging and how it will be used.

✅ Use PE When You Need:

• Softness and flexibility – Great for produce bags, liners, and lightweight protective sheets.
• Moisture protection – Ideal for food packaging or moisture-sensitive items.
• Cost-effectiveness – PE materials are often cheaper and easier to source.
  Strong sealability – Excellent for heat-sealed bags.

Common PE Packaging Products:

• LDPE/HDPE plastic bags
• Industrial liners and sheets
• Food-grade polybags
• Bin liners

✅ Use PP When You Need:

• Higher temperature tolerance – PP holds its shape under heat, making it suitable for hot-fill packaging.
• Rigidity and shape retention – Best for bags that need structure, such as woven sacks.
• Gloss and clarity – Ideal for packaging where visual appeal is important.
• Strength and durability – Perfect for multi-use or transport packaging.

Common PP Packaging Products:

• PP woven bags
• Reusable shopping bags
• Hot food packaging
• Transparent snack packs

Recyclability and Sustainability Considerations

Both PE and PP are recyclable, but their acceptance rates vary depending on local infrastructure:

• PE (LDPE/HDPE): Recycled under codes #4 and #2. Widely accepted, especially for bags and liners.
• PP: Recycled under code #5. Still recyclable, but less commonly accepted in curbside programs.

To promote better environmental outcomes, many manufacturers are:

• Choosing mono-material packaging (e.g., all-PE or all-PP) to improve recyclability.
• Incorporating recycled content (such as PCR or PIR resin) into bag production.
  Downgauging (reducing thickness) without compromising strength to reduce plastic usage.

PE and PP in Sustainable Packaging Solutions

In a time when sustainability matters more than ever, both PE and PP continue to play critical roles in responsible packaging design. Whether through lightweight plastic bags, recyclable liners, or reusable PP woven sacks, these materials are helping businesses reduce waste while maintaining quality.

Choosing the right plastic type doesn’t just improve packaging performance—it can also support your goals for waste reduction, cost optimisation, and environmental compliance.

Final Thoughts: Which Plastic Should You Choose?

Both Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) are essential materials in the world of flexible packaging. Each comes with its own strengths:

• Choose PE when flexibility, moisture resistance, and cost efficiency are key.
• Choose PP when you need heat resistance, rigidity, and higher durability.

The best choice depends on your packaging goals—whether it’s protection, presentation, sustainability, or all three.

Looking for high-quality PE and PP packaging solutions such as liners, bags, and sheets? Teong Chuan offers a wide range of reliable, customisable plastic packaging products to suit various industrial and commercial needs. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to quality, we help businesses choose the right material for the right purpose—efficiently and sustainably.