Table of Contents
- What is PP plastic?
- Key properties of PP
- How to identify PP plastic
- What is PE plastic?
- Key properties of PE
- How to identify PE plastic
- Similarities between PP and PE
- PP vs PE: side-by-side comparison
- PP and PE compared with PVC, PC, and PET
- Conclusion: should you choose PP or PE?
- Related articles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact ICD Vietnam
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 25/2026
PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene) are the two most widely used thermoplastics in industrial packaging. PP is harder, more heat-resistant (up to 130 degrees C), and has better chemical resistance. PE is more flexible, has superior moisture-barrier properties, and is the base material for stretch film used with pallet wrappers. Choose PP for rigid containers and pallets; choose PE for stretch film and flexible packaging.
What is PP plastic?
PP (polypropylene) is a thermoplastic polymer in the polyolefin family, produced by the polymerisation of propylene monomer. It is one of the most widely used plastics today because of its high mechanical strength, good heat resistance, and chemical resistance.
Key properties of PP
- High mechanical strength: PP withstands impact and deformation well under load and does not tear or distort easily.
- Heat resistance up to 130 degrees C: PP retains its shape at temperatures where most other commodity plastics begin to deform.
- Chemical resistance: PP resists acids, alkalis, and many organic solvents.
- Lightweight: Lighter than many other plastics, which reduces transport costs.
- Food-safe: PP is recognised by the US FDA as safe for direct food contact.
How to identify PP plastic
- PP has a glossy, rigid surface and does not flex like PE.
- When burned, PP produces a blue flame with no black smoke and a smell similar to burning oil.
- PP is stiff and resists stretching, whereas PE elongates before breaking.
What is PE plastic?
PE (polyethylene) is a thermoplastic produced by the polymerisation of ethylene. It exists in several grades, most commonly LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
Key properties of PE
- High flexibility: PE is more pliable than PP and can be stretched significantly without breaking.
- Excellent moisture barrier: PE resists water and water vapour, protecting products inside packaging from humidity.
- Moderate heat resistance - up to 100 degrees C: PE softens at lower temperatures than PP.
- Chemical resistance: PE resists acids, alkalis, and oils, though not as strongly as PP.
- Good electrical insulation: PE is widely used in the production of electrical cables for this reason.
How to identify PE plastic
- PE has a glossy surface and is noticeably softer and more flexible than PP.
- When burned, PE produces a pale blue flame with no black smoke and a smell similar to burning wax.
- PE can be stretched many times before breaking, unlike the stiffer PP.
Similarities between PP and PE
- Both are thermoplastics that can be recycled and reused multiple times.
- Both resist chemical attack and are not corroded by common industrial solutions.
- Both are food-safe and widely used in food, medical, and packaging industries.
- Both are lightweight and easy to process in manufacturing.
PP vs PE: side-by-side comparison
| Property | PP plastic | PE plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical strength | High - rigid, resists stretching | More flexible - can be stretched |
| Heat resistance | Up to 130 degrees C | Up to approximately 100 degrees C |
| Chemical resistance | Better than PE | Moderate chemical resistance |
| Typical applications | Plastic crates, automotive parts, medical devices, food packaging | Stretch film, plastic pipes, jerry cans, plastic bags |
PP and PE compared with PVC, PC, and PET
| Plastic type | Key characteristics | Main applications |
|---|---|---|
| PP | Rigid, durable, high heat resistance, strong chemical resistance | Plastic crates, automotive components, food packaging |
| PE | Flexible, excellent moisture barrier, good electrical insulator | Plastic bags, stretch film, plastic pipes |
| PVC | Low cost, easy to process, but contains potentially harmful additives | Water pipes, vinyl flooring, rain gear |
| PC | Transparent, high impact strength, scratch-resistant | Eyeglass lenses, water bottles, polycarbonate roofing sheets |
| PET | Transparent, lightweight, good strength, highly recyclable | Water bottles, food packaging containers |
Conclusion: should you choose PP or PE?
The choice between PP and PE depends on your specific application:
- If you need a rigid, heat-resistant plastic with strong chemical resistance, PP is the right choice.
- If you need a flexible plastic with high moisture and vapour barrier performance, PE is the better option.
At ICD Vietnam, PP is the base material for our plastic pallets and plastic crates, chosen for its rigidity, load capacity, and suitability in pharmaceutical and food-grade environments. PE is the base material for our PE stretch film, which is the consumable used with pallet wrapping machines to secure loads for storage and transport. Both materials play essential and complementary roles in industrial packaging.
See also: PET vs PP plastic comparison | PP vs HDPE plastic comparison
Related articles
| What is PP plastic? Properties, applications and food safety | PE vs HDPE plastic: what is the difference? | PET vs PP plastic: which should you choose? |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between PP and PE plastic?
PP (polypropylene) is harder and more rigid, with heat resistance up to 130 degrees C and stronger chemical resistance. PE (polyethylene) is softer and more flexible, with superior moisture-barrier properties and better elongation before breaking. PP suits rigid products; PE suits flexible packaging and stretch film.
2. Which plastic is stronger - PP or PE?
PP has higher mechanical rigidity and resists deformation under load better than PE. However, PE has greater elongation at break, meaning it can stretch further before failing. For structural applications such as pallets and crates, PP is the stronger choice.
3. Can PP and PE both be used for food contact?
Yes. Both PP and PE are recognised as food-safe by regulatory bodies including the US FDA. PP is commonly used for rigid food containers and pallets in food-grade environments; PE is widely used for food wrap, bags, and stretch film.
4. Which is more heat-resistant - PP or PE?
PP is more heat-resistant, maintaining its shape up to approximately 130 degrees C. PE begins to soften at around 100 degrees C. For applications involving high temperatures, such as sterilisable medical containers or high-temperature warehouse environments, PP is the better choice.
5. What products does ICD Vietnam make from PP and PE?
ICD Vietnam supplies plastic pallets and plastic crates made from PP, and PE stretch film used with pallet wrapping machines. Both products carry a 2-year warranty.
6. How do I identify PP vs PE plastic by appearance or burning test?
PP has a rigid, glossy surface and burns with a blue flame smelling of burning oil, producing no black smoke. PE has a softer, more pliable surface and burns with a pale blue flame smelling of burning wax. PE stretches easily when pulled; PP resists stretching and is more likely to crack.
Contact ICD Vietnam
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat Zalo
