HDPE — high-density polyethylene — is one of the highest-volume polymers traded anywhere, used for everything from milk bottles and drums to pressure pipe and crates. Because those applications demand very different flow and strength characteristics, "HDPE" alone tells a buyer little. This guide covers how to buy HDPE well in the UK, whether prime, regrind or recycled.
What HDPE grades are traded?
HDPE is sorted by the process it is made for, and the key number is melt flow index (MFI, or MFR):
- Blow-moulding grade — low MFI for bottles, drums, jerricans and containers. The most commonly traded HDPE.
- Injection-moulding grade — higher MFI for crates, caps, housewares and thin-walled parts.
- Blow-film grade — for bags and liners, needing specific flow and strength.
- Pipe grade (PE100/PE80) — high-performance material for pressure pipe, priced and specified separately.
When HDPE is offered, MFI and intended process are the first things to establish — a bottle-grade resin will not run well on an injection line, whatever the price.
What is the difference between prime, regrind and recycled HDPE?
As with any polymer, condition sets the price and the risk. Prime HDPE is first-quality virgin resin to a producer datasheet. Regrind is ground production material — drum offcuts, purgings, rejects — with one heat history. Recycled HDPE splits into post-industrial (cleaner, more consistent) and post-consumer, such as bottle or drum flake, which is more variable and where verification matters most. Our guide to polymer grades covers this in full.
How is HDPE priced?
HDPE tracks the virgin polyethylene market, with regrind and recycled at a discount that moves with supply, demand and the specific material. Colour matters — natural and single-colour HDPE is worth more than mixed. Form matters — clean regranulate above flake above unwashed regrind. As always, price against live offers on the day rather than a remembered figure; the Prime Polymers board shows each seller's current asking price per tonne next to the grade, quantity and location.
What should I check before buying HDPE?
- MFI and intended process — blow, injection, film or pipe.
- Condition grade — prime, regrind, PIR or PCR — and a datasheet or COA where relevant.
- Colour and whether it is natural, single-colour or mixed.
- For recycled, the source (bottle, drum, industrial) and contamination control.
- Quantity, MOQ, location and incoterm, in writing.
Prime Polymers lists HDPE alongside other polyethylenes from UK and international sellers. A free account shows each listing in full; membership unlocks messaging to negotiate directly. Operated by ARC Polymers Ltd, a UK polymer trading company.
Frequently asked questions
- What does MFI mean for HDPE?
- MFI (melt flow index, sometimes MFR) measures how easily the molten resin flows. Low-MFI HDPE suits blow moulding of bottles and drums; higher-MFI grades suit injection moulding. Matching MFI to your process is the single most important HDPE buying decision.
- What is the difference between HDPE regrind and recycled HDPE?
- Regrind is ground production material from a known source with one heat history. Recycled HDPE is reprocessed from the waste stream — post-industrial (cleaner, more consistent) or post-consumer such as bottle and drum flake (more variable). Regrind is usually more predictable.
- How much does HDPE cost in the UK?
- There is no single price. HDPE tracks the virgin polyethylene market, with regrind and recycled at a discount that varies with grade, colour, form, quantity and incoterm. Price against live listings rather than a fixed figure.
- What HDPE grade do I need?
- It depends on your process: low-MFI blow-moulding grade for bottles and drums, higher-MFI injection grade for crates and caps, film grade for bags, or PE100/PE80 pipe grade for pressure pipe. Confirm MFI and intended process before buying.