Commodity Resins
The five main commodity resins are polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Key applications range from flexible and rigid food and non-food packaging, to a broad range of consumer goods products, agricultural and industrial products, automotive, and construction, including pipes.
ESSENTIAL READING
VIEW ALLFundamentals of Polyethylene – Part 3: Field Failures
Polyethylene parts can fail when an inappropriate density is selected. Let’s look at some examples and examine what happened and why.
Read MoreThe Fundamentals of Polyethylene – Part 2: Density and Molecular Weight
PE properties can be adjusted either by changing the molecular weight or by altering the density. While this increases the possible combinations of properties, it also requires that the specification for the material be precise.
Read MoreThe Fundamentals of Polyethylene – Part 1: The Basics
You would think we’d know all there is to know about a material that was commercialized 80 years ago. Not so for polyethylene. Let’s start by brushing up on the basics.
Read MoreImproving Twin-Screw Compounding of Reinforced Polyolefins
Compounders face a number of processing challenges when incorporating a high loading of low-bulk-density mineral filler into polyolefins. Here are some possible solutions.
Read MoreMelt Flow Rate Testing–Part 1
Though often criticized, MFR is a very good gauge of the relative average molecular weight of the polymer. Since molecular weight (MW) is the driving force behind performance in polymers, it turns out to be a very useful number.
Read MoreFormulating LLDPE/LDPE Blends For Abuse–Resistant Blown Film
A new study shows how the type and amount of LDPE in blends with LLDPE affect the processing and strength/toughness properties of blown film. Data are shown for both LDPE-rich and LLDPE-rich blends.
Read MoreLatest Commodity Resins News And Updates
ExxonMobil Highlighting Solutions for Primary and Industrial Packaging and More
The company is also showcasing innovations in hygiene, medical and agricultural sectors.
Read MoreINEOS Styrolution Announces New Authorized Distribution Network
The company’s strategic shift in its distribution network for the U.S. and Canada goes into effect April 1, 2024.
Read MoreTotal Energies Converts Feedstocks From Plastic Waste Into New Polymer at LaPorte Plant
Pyrolysis product from New Hope Energy was used to create monomer at BASF-Total Energies facility in Port Arthur, then polymerized to PP at Laporte
Read MoreAvient Adds Phoenix Location to its ColorWorks Design & Technology Centers
The addition of ColorWorks Phoenix as the fifth such site will allow better collaborations with customers in the western part of the U.S.
Read MoreSPE 2023 Automotive Awards Highlight ‘Firsts’ and Emerging Technologies
Nods given to several ‘firsts’ as well as rapidly emerging technologies with sustainability nearly always a major theme.
Read MoreExpanded Sustainable Portfolio of PVC Resins
INEOS Inovyn’s two new products are Neovyn, with a 37% lower carbon footprint and Recovyn, made from 100% recycled carbon feedstock.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Prices of All Five Commodity Plastics On the Way Up
Despite earlier anticipated rollover in prices for most of the volume commodity resins, prices were generally on the way up for all going into the third month of first quarter.
Read MoreAutomotive Awards Highlight ‘Firsts,’ Emerging Technologies
Annual SPE event recognizes sustainability as a major theme.
Read MorePrices of the Five Commodity Resins Largely Flat
While price initiatives for PE and PVC were underway, resin prices had rollover potential for first two months of 2024, perhaps with the exception of PET.
Read MoreAt NPE2024, Follow These Megatrends in Materials and Additives
Offerings range from recycled, biobased, biodegradable and monomaterial structures that enhance recyclability to additives that are more efficient, sustainable and safer to use.
Read MorePrices for All Volume Resins Head Down at End of 2023
Flat-to-downward trajectory for at least this month.
Read MorePrices Flat for PE, PVC, Up for PP and PS, Down for PET
A mixed bag, though prices likely to be down if not flat for all this month.
Read MoreFAQ: Commodity Resins
Polyethylene is considered a “commodity” material, a designation that gives the impression that not much thought needs to go into picking the correct grade of material. But PE can be remarkably complicated simply because it is the only polymer that is available across a wide range of densities.