HDPE Film Grade

HDPE film grade – buyer’s guide for Pakistan

HDPE film grades are high-molecular-weight polyethylenes made for thin, stiff and strong blown film. In Karachi rate lists they trade simply as HDPE Film, and they are the backbone of Pakistan’s bag industry: shopper and T-shirt bags, garbage bags, produce rolls, liners and multi-layer packaging. Compared with LDPE or LLDPE, an HDPE film grade lets a converter run thinner film – often 8 to 20 µm – with a crisp, paper-like feel and high tear strength in the transverse direction.

All three grades below are produced by Iranian petrochemical plants and exported by Rabin Polymer as prime, virgin material. The key differences are melt flow, molecular weight distribution and the film thickness they run best at.

Compare HDPE film grades

How to choose the right HDPE film grade

• Down-gauging: for the thinnest film (8–12 µm) choose a very high molecular weight grade such as F7000; its very low melt flow gives excellent bubble stability.
• Bag strength and print: 5110 combines high tear resistance in the transverse direction with good printability – a safe choice for branded shopper bags.
• Balanced processing: EX5 is a bimodal grade with good output on standard HDPE lines and a stiff, paper-like handle.
• Blending: 10–30 % LLDPE (for example LLDPE 209) improves dart impact and sealing in garbage bags and liners.

Typical applications in Pakistan

• T-shirt and shopper bags for retail in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad
• Garbage and bin liners
• Produce bags on rolls for supermarkets
• Industrial liners and inner bags for woven sacks
• Multi-layer packaging film as the stiff outer layer

Processing tips

• Run a high-stalk (long neck) bubble with a blow-up ratio of about 3–5.
• Typical melt temperature 200–230 °C; adjust to keep the bubble stable at low thickness.
• Use slip or anti-block masterbatch only where the end use requires it – HDPE film already has low blocking.
• Always check the exact grade code on the bag and the lot number against the certificate.

Market overview

HDPE film is one of the largest polymer categories imported into Pakistan. Demand is driven by retail carry bags, food packaging and industrial liners, and it moves with the seasons – orders usually rise before Ramadan and the wedding season, when retail volumes peak. Rates follow the regional HDPE market and freight, so many converters compare weekly offers before booking a container. Buying a named grade with a datasheet, rather than generic “film dana”, makes it easier to repeat the same bag quality from order to order.

Common film problems and how grade choice helps

• Bubble instability at low gauge: move to a higher molecular weight grade (F7000) or lower the melt temperature.
• Bags splitting along the fold: choose a grade with higher transverse tear (5110) or add 10–20 % LLDPE.
• Gels and fish-eyes: check screen packs and ask for the lot certificate; prime material in original bags keeps gel levels low.
• Poor print adhesion: treat the film to 38–42 dyn/cm right after extrusion.

Grade notes

HDPE EX5 – HDPE EX5 is a high-molecular-weight, bimodal high density polyethylene with 1-butene as comonomer. It combines good stiffness and tenacity with a low gel level, producing strong blown films with a paper-like feel for bags and wrapping. Key strengths: high molar mass film grade, good stiffness & tenacity, low gel level. In Pakistan it is used for T-shirt carrier bags, shopping bags and thin, paper-like HDPE film.

HDPE 5110 – HDPE 5110 is a high-molecular-weight, high density polyethylene with broad molecular weight distribution and 1-hexene comonomer, developed for thin films with excellent strength and rigidity. Films are readily treated and printed for high-quality graphics. Key strengths: high tear resistance, high melt stability, excellent printability. In Pakistan it is used for high-strength shopper bags, garbage bags and thin printed film.

HDPE F7000 – HDPE F7000 (7000F) is a high density polyethylene developed for very thin, high-strength films. It combines excellent mechanical strength with high stiffness and outstanding processability, making it well suited to high-speed blown film extrusion of ultra-thin film. Key strengths: excellent mechanical strength, high stiffness at low gauge, stable high-speed extrusion. In Pakistan it is used for ultra-thin shopping bags, produce bags on rolls and liners.

Supply to Pakistan

We ship HDPE film grade from Iran in 25 kg bags on pallets (jumbo bags on request). Sea freight goes in 20′ and 40′ containers from Bandar Abbas to Karachi or Port Qasim; inland buyers can also receive trucks via Taftan. The shipping mode, route and Incoterm are agreed for each order, depending on quantity, destination and timing. Every shipment travels with a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and the producer datasheet.

Need a rate? Send the grade, quantity and city on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form – we reply within one business day. You can also join our free weekly rate list for Pakistan.

Frequently asked questions

Which HDPE grade is best for T-shirt bags in Pakistan?

EX5 and 5110 are the most common choices. EX5 gives a stiff, paper-like bag; 5110 gives higher tear strength and very good printability. For extremely thin bags, F7000 is preferred.

What is the difference between HDPE film and LDPE film?

HDPE film is stiffer, stronger and can be run much thinner; LDPE film is softer, clearer and seals more easily. Many converters blend the two, or add LLDPE, to balance strength and sealing.

Is the material prime (virgin) or recycled?

All HDPE film grades on this page are prime, virgin granules produced by Iranian petrochemical plants, supplied in the producer’s original 25 kg bags.

What is the minimum order?

Usually one 20′ container or one truck (about 25 tonnes). Trial lots can be discussed for new customers.