high-density polyethylene

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. polyethylene consisting mainly of linear, or unbranched, chains with high crystallinity and melting point, and density of 0.96 or more, produced at low pressure and used chiefly for containers and articles made by injection molding. HDPE

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Etymology

Origin of high-density polyethylene

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

It makes a fantastic product called Flexsteel, a spoolable pipe that combines the strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of high-density polyethylene, or HDPE.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

But they can sell you a heftier sack made of high-density polyethylene, or HDPE.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2023

The oldest container, found in 2018, was a high-density polyethylene canister manufactured in 1971.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2019

Collection sites will accept only high-density polyethylene containers.

From Washington Times • May 16, 2019

Williamson shifted his business to exclusively making the benches, and in 2009 decided to make them greener, using recycled high-density polyethylene, or recycled milk jugs.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2017