Description
High Density Polyethylene sheet (HDPE / PE300) — a tough, low-friction engineering plastic for food processing surfaces, chemical-resistant linings, marine components and general fabrication. Available in Natural (white) and Black, 2mm to 8mm thick, supplied as 2000 × 1000mm sheets. Food-safe (natural grade), weldable, highly resistant to chemicals and moisture, and fully machinable with standard tools.
Technical Specification
| Material | HDPE — High Density Polyethylene (PE300) | Density | 0.94–0.96 g/cm³ |
| Thickness | 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm | Colours | Natural (White), Black |
| Sheet Size | 2000 × 1000mm | Water Absorption | <0.01% — virtually zero |
| Service Temperature | -50°C to +80°C continuous; 100°C short-term | Food Compliance | FDA / EU food-contact compliant (Natural grade) |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent — resists most acids, alkalis and solvents | Tensile Strength | 21–37 MPa |
| Impact Resistance | Very high — does not shatter | Fabrication | Machines, cuts, drills and welds with standard tooling |
Key Properties
- Chemical resistance: withstands virtually all common acids, alkalis, solvents and cleaning agents.
- Moisture resistance: can be permanently immersed without dimensional change.
- Impact toughness: does not crack or shatter under loads that would fracture brittle plastics.
- Low friction: naturally non-stick surface for chutes, hoppers and conveyor wear strips.
Thickness Guide
- 2–3mm: liners, protective sheets, cladding panels and food trays — 2mm can be cold-formed to curves.
- 4–5mm: chopping boards, tank linings, wear strips and conveyor guides — the most popular general-purpose range.
- 6–8mm: structural panels, machine guards, load-bearing components and tank fabrication.
Natural or Black?
Natural (white) is the food-contact compliant grade for cutting boards, food preparation surfaces and hygienic liners; the white colour makes contamination easy to spot. Black contains carbon black for added UV stabilisation, making it the better choice for outdoor, marine and exposed applications, or where a white finish is not wanted.
Common Applications
- Commercial cutting boards and food preparation surfaces
- Chemical storage tank linings, sumps and bunds
- Marine components such as transom pads, fender boards and rub strakes
- Conveyor wear strips and guides
- Agricultural, outdoor and playground equipment panels
- Custom engineering components, brackets, jigs and fixtures
Working With HDPE Sheet
HDPE cuts cleanly with standard woodworking tools (circular saw, jigsaw or router) and drills well with HSS bits at slow to medium speed — back the sheet to prevent break-out. It machines to a good finish with carbide or HSS tooling and welds with a hot-air plastic welder and HDPE rod, achieving 80–90% of parent material strength. Its non-stick surface resists most adhesives, so mechanical fixings are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HDPE the same as PE300?
Yes — PE300 is the European engineering designation for HDPE. Both terms describe the same extruded high-density polyethylene sheet.
Is HDPE food safe?
Natural (white) HDPE complies with FDA 21 CFR and EU Regulation 10/2011 for food-contact materials. Black HDPE is not recommended for direct food contact unless specifically certified.
Can HDPE be used outdoors?
Yes — black HDPE is UV-stabilised and preferred for outdoor use. Natural HDPE can surface-chalk after long UV exposure.
Do you cut to size?
Yes — contact us with your dimensions for a cut-to-size quotation.
All sizes & prices
12 sizes · prices include VAT · tap a price to select that size
| Size | Price | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| 2mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Natural (White) | £112.99 | £94.16 |
| 2mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Black | £112.99 | £94.16 |
| 3mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Natural (White) | £156.99 | £130.83 |
| 3mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Black | £156.99 | £130.83 |
| 4mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Natural (White) | £221.99 | £184.99 |
| 4mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Black | £221.99 | £184.99 |
| 5mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Natural (White) | £245.99 | £204.99 |
| 5mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Black | £245.99 | £204.99 |
| 6mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Natural (White) | £321.99 | £268.33 |
| 6mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Black | £321.99 | £268.33 |
| 8mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Natural (White) | £421.99 | £351.66 |
| 8mm / 2000mm × 1000mm / Black | £421.99 | £351.66 |
Need a size that isn't listed? We cut to order. Request a quote or call 01744 520110.
Supplying UK engineers, manufacturers and public bodies
