Polyethylene (LDPE)
The low-density polyethylene resin supplied by Chelora Chemicals — a highly branched, flexible-grade polyolefin used across film, packaging and extrusion coating — exported from Indonesia as virgin pellet with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What LDPE is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the resin's branched structure, how that structure governs its flexibility, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Low-Density Polyethylene is a polyethylene homopolymer distinguished from its higher-density relatives by a highly branched molecular structure: alongside the main chain, frequent long- and short-chain branches prevent the polymer from packing into the tight, ordered crystalline regions that straighter-chain polyethylenes form. That disrupted packing is what gives LDPE its comparatively low density, its softness and flexibility, and its clarity relative to HDPE.
At room temperature it is supplied as a translucent to opaque white pellet, typically 2 to 4 millimetres across, free-flowing for handling in standard pneumatic and mechanical conveying systems. It melts over a comparatively broad range without a sharp transition, reflecting its branched, less-ordered crystalline structure, and processes easily on standard extrusion and film-blowing equipment.
Where it fits in the value chain
LDPE is the founding grade of the polyethylene family, still produced in large volume because its branched structure gives processing and film-clarity properties the linear grades cannot fully replace. It remains the preferred resin wherever high clarity, toughness at low gauge, and good heat-sealability are needed together, particularly in flexible packaging film and in extrusion coating of paper and board. LLDPE has displaced a meaningful share of LDPE's older film volume because its narrower, more controlled branching gives better mechanical strength at a given gauge, but LDPE retains a strong position in applications valuing its particular clarity and processing window.
Grades we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers LDPE across film-grade, extrusion-coating-grade, injection-moulding-grade and general-purpose melt-index ranges. Each grade is supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis covering melt index, density and additive package.
How LDPE is produced
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
LDPE is produced by high-pressure, free-radical polymerisation of ethylene, typically at pressures of 1,000 to 3,000 bar and temperatures of 150 to 300 °C, using a trace organic peroxide or oxygen initiator in either a tubular or stirred autoclave reactor. The free-radical mechanism is what produces the characteristic branching: a growing radical chain can abstract a hydrogen atom from elsewhere along its own backbone (intramolecular chain transfer) or from a neighbouring chain (intermolecular chain transfer), creating a new radical site from which a branch then grows, giving both the short branches typical of radical polymerisation and, particularly in autoclave reactors, longer branches as well.
Unreacted ethylene is separated and recycled at both high- and low-pressure stages, and the molten polymer is pelletised after the reactor, with additive packages (antioxidants, slip agents, anti-block agents) metered in during this finishing step according to the target film or coating grade.
Industries and processes that use it
LDPE is consumed across flexible packaging film, extrusion coating and injection-moulded goods. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Flexible Packaging Film
Blown or cast into film for food packaging, shrink and stretch film, and general-purpose bags, valued for clarity, toughness and heat-sealability.
Extrusion Coating
Extruded as a thin molten film onto paper, board or foil to give a moisture-resistant, heat-sealable coated substrate.
Injection-Moulded Goods
Moulded into flexible closures, lids and squeeze-bottle components where softness and impact resistance at low temperature are needed.
Wire & Cable Insulation
Used in cable jacketing and insulation compounds where flexibility and dielectric properties are required.
How the resin is typically converted forward
The branched molecular structure governs almost all of LDPE's further processing behaviour. The categories below account for most of the ways it is converted into a finished part.
Film Blowing
The molten resin is extruded through an annular die and inflated into a thin-walled bubble, cooled and collapsed to form blown film for packaging.
Cast Film Extrusion
Extruded through a flat die and quenched on a chilled roll to produce cast film with high optical clarity and dimensional stability.
Extrusion Coating
Extruded as a thin molten curtain directly onto a moving paper, board or foil substrate, bonding on contact and solidifying as it cools.
Injection Moulding
Melted and injected into a mould cavity under pressure to form flexible moulded parts such as closures and lids.
LDPE against other polyethylene grades we supply
Buyers sourcing LDPE often also need a linear polyethylene grade for a different film or moulding requirement. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (LDPE) | 9002-88-4 | Branched polyethylene | The product on this page — a flexible, high-clarity film and coating resin. |
| Polyethylene (LLDPE) | 9002-88-4 | Linear polyethylene copolymer | A linear, comonomer-modified polyethylene with higher film strength — see its product page. |
| Polyethylene (HDPE) | 9002-88-4 | Linear, high-density polyethylene | The rigid, high-crystallinity member of the polyethylene family — see its product page. |
| Ethylene | 74-85-1 | Olefin monomer | The monomer this entire polymer is built from — see its product page. |
Exact physical constants and processing specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide, not a specification sheet, for products other than LDPE.
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Not classified as hazardous under GHS in solid pellet form.
Combustible; pellets and especially fine dust can support combustion once ignited.
Minimise accumulation of polymer dust/fines, which present a greater ignition risk than pellets.
Processing equipment handles the resin molten; standard hot-surface and fume-extraction precautions apply at the extruder.
Standard gloves and eye protection are sufficient for routine handling of pellets.
May emit irritant fumes if processed well above normal processing temperature or involved in a fire.
Not classified; refer to the batch MSDS for grade-specific guidance.
This product has a low hazard profile in its solid pellet form and is not classified as hazardous under GHS. The principal handling precautions concern combustible-dust accumulation from fines generated during conveying and bagging, and standard hot-surface precautions during melt processing. Full first-aid, storage, spill and PPE guidance is in the MSDS issued with every shipment, and should be read in full before this material is handled.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store in a dry, ambient-temperature warehouse, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, since prolonged UV and heat exposure can degrade the resin's additive package and processing behaviour. Keep bags sealed to prevent moisture pickup and contamination with other resin grades. Re-check melt index and moisture content on material held past its retest date before processing.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Polyethylene (LDPE) leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay, colour and key physical constants, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is LDPE used for?+
02What is the difference between LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE?+
03How is LDPE produced?+
04What grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05Is LDPE hazardous?+
06Why does LDPE remain in use alongside LLDPE and HDPE?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply the other polyethylene density grades as well?+
Need LDPE on spec, on time?
Send us your required melt index, density, application and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.