Polyethylene (PE) sheets and bars are among the most in-demand engineering plastics in industrial and food-grade applications. Polyethylene is a polyolefinic thermoplastic resin — the world’s most widely used synthetic polymer, valued for its excellent performance-to-cost ratio, low weight, chemical resistance, and full food-contact biocompatibility.
Larosi Srl distributes polyethylene sheets and bars in the formats and thicknesses most in demand on the B2B market, with stock availability and fast delivery times throughout the country. Our specialisation is thick sheets — from 10 up to 100 mm and beyond — the most widely used for the production of professional cutting boards, work surfaces and industrial components subject to loads and wear.
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Key Technical Properties
The properties of polyethylene vary depending on the grade, but some characteristics are common to the entire PE material family and explain its widespread success across industrial applications.
- Very low moisture absorption: Less than 0.01% in 24 hours. PE does not swell, warp or lose its mechanical properties when in contact with water.
- Excellent chemical resistance: Inert to acids, bases, salts and most organic solvents. Typical of polyolefinic polymers.
- Non-stick properties: The PE surface does not retain food, grease or other residues. Simplifies cleaning and reduces sanitation time.
- Low weight: Density between 0.93 and 0.96 g/cm³, lower than water. PE components are significantly lighter than metal or other engineering polymer equivalents.
- Impact resistance at low temperatures: PE retains its toughness and impact absorption capacity even in cold environments, unlike many other plastics.
- Ease of mechanical machining: Milling, turning, saw cutting, drilling — all standard machining operations apply using conventional equipment with short cycle times.
- Low cost: Among engineering polymers, PE is one of the most economical, offering an excellent performance-to-price ratio for the majority of applications.
Three Polyethylene Grades, Three Performance Levels
Polyethylene is not a single material: it differs according to molecular weight, which directly determines mechanical strength, wear resistance, surface slip and ease of machining. Larosi Srl offers the three most widely used industrial grades, each designed for specific applications.
- PE HD 300 – High-density polyethylene (standard): The most commercial and widely used grade, produced by extrusion. Offers excellent chemical properties, high machinability and low cost. Ideal for food cutting boards, low-load mechanical components and insulation. Available in white/natural, black, red, green and yellow. Molecular weight: ~300,000 g/mol.
- PE HMW 500 – High molecular weight polyethylene: Offers superior mechanical values compared to PE HD 300, with greater long-term wear resistance and better dimensional stability. Surface slip is excellent. FDA-EC 90/128 compliant for food contact. Molecular weight: ~500,000 g/mol.
- PE UHMW 1000 – Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene: The premium engineering grade. Very low coefficient of friction, maximum resistance to repeated impacts and abrasion. Retains mechanical properties down to –200 °C. Ideal for conveyor guides, wear-resistant linings and applications in cold storage facilities. Molecular weight: ~1,000,000 g/mol.
Technical Comparison Between PE Grades
| Property | Unit | PE HD 300 | PE HMW 500 | PE UHMW 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | g/cm³ | 0.94 – 0.96 | 0.93 – 0.95 | 0.93 – 0.94 |
| Tensile strength | MPa | 18 – 26 | 20 – 28 | 20 – 30 |
| Elongation at break | % | > 200 | > 300 | > 350 |
| Shore D hardness | — | ~60 | ~62 | ~63 |
| Operating temperature (continuous) | °C | –50 / +80 | –50 / +80 | –200 / +80 |
| Water absorption (24h) | % | < 0.01 | < 0.01 | < 0.01 |
| Coefficient of friction (on steel) | — | 0.25 – 0.30 | 0.20 – 0.25 | 0.10 – 0.22 |
| Food compliance | — | HACCP / EC 10/2011 | FDA / EC 90/128 | HACCP / EC 10/2011 |
Values shown are indicative and refer to standard production. For full technical data sheets and compliance certificates, please contact our sales department.
| Property | PE-HWU | PE 100 | PE-HWST | PE-HML 500 |
| Crystalline melting point | 126 – 130°C | – | 126 – 130°C | 130 – 135°C |
| Ignition temperature | ~ 350°C | – | – | – |
Main Industrial Applications
Thanks to the combination of low weight, chemical inertness and ease of mechanical machining, polyethylene is used across a wide range of industrial sectors. PE semi-finished products are suitable for milling, turning, cutting and drilling with standard equipment, without the need for specialist tooling.
- Food industry: Cutting boards, work surfaces, trays, guides for packaging and conveyor systems, caps and separators. PE is the reference material in this sector thanks to HACCP compliance and ease of sanitation.
- Mechanical engineering: Low-load bearings, wear pads, bushings, sliding guides and gear teeth. The low coefficient of friction reduces the need for lubrication and lowers maintenance costs.
- Chemical industry: Containers, tanks, work surfaces and linings for aggressive environments. PE HD resists acids, bases and common solvents without degradation.
- Refrigeration plants and cold storage: PE UHMW 1000 retains its mechanical properties at extremely low temperatures, down to –200 °C, making it ideal for linings, guides and supports in refrigerated environments.
- Transport and material handling: Conveyor belt guides, line separators, sliding pads. The smooth, self-lubricating surface of PE reduces friction and noise.
- Marine and outdoor applications: Black versions with UV stabilisers resist weathering, ultraviolet radiation and salt water. Used for pontoons, buoys, fishing equipment and external structures.
Thick Sheets for the Food Industry: the Professional PE Cutting Board
The most common application for polyethylene sheets is the production of professional cutting boards and cutting surfaces for the food industry. Polyethylene is the reference material in this sector for a number of technical reasons: very low moisture absorption (less than 0.01%), a naturally non-stick surface that prevents food from adhering, ease of sanitation and full compliance with HACCP regulations and EC Regulation 10/2011 on materials in contact with food.
Larosi Srl specialises in large-thickness sheets: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 mm, available in standard formats or cut to size according to customer specifications.
Polyethylene sheets are also suitable for die-cutting, an operation that allows gaskets and sealing profiles to be produced directly without any additional machining. Being a completely non-toxic material, PE is suitable for any application in contact with food, beverages and drinking water. Larosi Srl food-grade materials comply with AS/NZS 4020:2005 for use in contact with drinking water, as well as EC Regulation 10/2011 and HACCP specifications.
Available Colours and HACCP Colour Coding
Polyethylene sheets are available in several standard colours. In industrial food processing facilities, colour is not an aesthetic choice but a traceability tool: the HACCP protocol requires colour-coded cutting boards by processing zone, in order to prevent cross-contamination between different food categories.
- White / Natural: The universal standard colour. Used for dairy products, bakery and packaged goods.
- Red: Raw meat. The most immediately recognisable colour on the production line.
- Green: Fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Yellow: Poultry and poultry products.
- Blue: Fish and seafood products.
- Black: Not HACCP-specific. Used in technical and industrial applications, or for outdoor environments thanks to UV stabilisers.
Versions with UV stabilisers — for extended outdoor applications — are available in black and yellow.
Formats and Dimensions Available from Stock
Larosi Srl maintains a wide and diversified stock to ensure fast delivery times even for urgent orders. For thicknesses, dimensions or quantities outside standard ranges, please contact our sales department: we are equipped to source or commission whatever is required.
| Format | Typical thicknesses (mm) | Standard widths | Standard lengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thick sheet | 10 · 15 · 20 · 25 · 30 · 40 · 50 · 60 · 80 · 100+ | 1,000 – 2,000 mm | 2,000 – 3,000 mm |
| Thin sheet | 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 8 | 1,000 – 1,500 mm | 2,000 – 3,000 mm |
| Round bars | Ø 10 – Ø 300 mm | — | 1,000 – 2,000 mm |
| Square bars | 20×20 – 200×200 mm | — | 1,000 – 2,000 mm |
Non-standard thicknesses and dimensions available on request. Custom cutting available.
Custom cutting is available on all sheets: panels can be supplied in any thickness and in the dimensions you require. Simply specify the desired width, length and thickness when placing your order.
Technical Data Sheet
View and download the PDF technical data sheets for the various types of PE and HDPE polyethylene.
Technical data sheet – Natural PE-HD
| Property / Standard | Value |
| Extrusion compound standard | DIN EN ISO 17855-1 |
| Compression moulding compound | PE-HD,,QN,50-T003/006/012 |
| Compression moulding compound standard | DIN EN ISO 17855-1 |
| Density (DIN EN ISO 1183) | 0.95 g/cm³ |
| Tensile modulus of elasticity (DIN EN ISO 527) | 1,100 MPa |
| Yield stress (DIN EN ISO 527) | 23 MPa |
| Elongation at yield (DIN EN ISO 527) | 9 % |
| Impact resistance (DIN EN ISO 179) | no break |
| Charpy impact strength (DIN EN ISO 179-1eA) | 16 kJ/m² |
| Brinell hardness (DIN EN ISO 2039-1) | 43 MPa |
| Shore D hardness (15 s) (DIN EN ISO 868) | 65 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion (ISO 11359-2) | 1.8 x 10⁻⁴ K⁻¹ |
| Thermal conductivity (DIN EN 12667) | 0.38 W/m * K |
| Surface resistivity (DIN IEC 60093) | ≥ 10¹³ Ohm |
| Operating temperature range | –50 to +80 °C |
| Burning behaviour (DIN 4102) | DIN 4102 B2 normally flammable (Self-assessment without test certificate) |
| EU food compliance EC 10/2011 | yes |
| FDA food compliance | yes |
Technical data sheet – Black PE-HD
| Property / Standard | Value |
| Extrusion compound | PE-HD,,EC,50-T003/006/012 |
| Extrusion compound standard | DIN EN ISO 17855-1 |
| Compression moulding compound | PE-HD,,QC,50-T003/006/012 |
| Compression moulding compound standard | DIN EN ISO 17855-1 |
| Density (DIN EN ISO 1183) | 0.96 g/cm³ |
| Tensile modulus of elasticity (DIN EN ISO 527) | 1,100 MPa |
| Yield stress (DIN EN ISO 527) | 23 MPa |
| Elongation at yield (DIN EN ISO 527) | 9 % |
| Impact resistance (DIN EN ISO 179) | no break |
| Charpy impact strength (DIN EN ISO 179-1eA) | 16 kJ/m² |
| Brinell hardness (DIN EN ISO 2039-1) | 43 MPa |
| Shore D hardness (15 s) (DIN EN ISO 868) | 65 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion (ISO 11359-2) | 1.8 x 10⁻⁴ K⁻¹ |
| Thermal conductivity (DIN EN 12667) | 0.38 W/m * K |
| Surface resistivity (DIN IEC 60093) | ≥ 10¹³ Ohm |
| Operating temperature range | –50 to +80 °C |
| Burning behaviour (DIN 4102) | DIN 4102 B2 normally flammable (Self-assessment without test certificate) |
| EU food compliance EC 10/2011 | yes |
| FDA food compliance | no |
Technical data sheet – PE 100 Blue 340
| Property / Standard | Value |
| Extrusion compound | PE-HD,,EACH,57-T003/T006 |
| Extrusion compound standard | DIN EN ISO 17855-1 |
| Density (DIN EN ISO 1183) | 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Tensile modulus of elasticity (DIN EN ISO 527) | 900 MPa |
| Yield stress (DIN EN ISO 527) | 22 MPa |
| Elongation at yield (DIN EN ISO 527) | 9 % |
| Impact resistance (DIN EN ISO 179) | no break |
| Charpy impact strength (DIN EN ISO 179-1eA) | 21 kJ/m² |
| Dielectric strength (DIN IEC 60243-1) | 50 kV/mm |
| Brinell hardness (DIN EN ISO 2039-1) | 43 MPa |
| Shore D hardness (15 s) (DIN EN ISO 868) | 64 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion (ISO 11359-2) | 1.8 x 10⁻⁴ K⁻¹ |
| Surface resistivity (DIN IEC 60093) | ≥ 10¹³ Ohm |
| Operating temperature range | –50 to +80 °C |
| Burning behaviour (DIN 4102) | DIN 4102 B2 normally flammable (Self-assessment without test certificate) |
| EU food compliance EC 10/2011 | yes |
| FDA food compliance | yes |
Technical data sheet – PE 1000
| Property / Standard | Value |
| Compression moulding compound | PE,QN,33 G 000 |
| Compression moulding compound standard | DIN EN ISO 17855-1 |
| Density (DIN EN ISO 1183) | 0.93 g/cm³ |
| Tensile modulus of elasticity (DIN EN ISO 527) | 700 MPa |
| Water absorption (DIN EN ISO 62) | < 0.01 % |
| Yield stress (DIN EN ISO 527) | 19 MPa |
| Elongation at yield (DIN EN ISO 527) | 11 % |
| Impact resistance (DIN EN ISO 179) | no break |
| Dielectric strength (DIN IEC 60243-1) | 44 kV/mm |
| Sand Slurry | 100 % |
| Brinell hardness (DIN EN ISO 2039-1) | 30 MPa |
| Shore D hardness (15 s) (DIN EN ISO 868) | 60 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion (ISO 11359-2) | 1.8 x 10⁻⁴ K⁻¹ |
| Thermal conductivity (DIN EN 12667) | 0.38 W/m * K |
| Vicat B (DIN EN ISO 306) | 82 °C |
| Molecular weight | ≥ 4,000,000 |
| Surface resistivity (DIN IEC 60093) | ≥ 10¹³ Ohm |
| Operating temperature range | –260 to +80 °C |
| Burning behaviour (DIN 4102) | DIN 4102 B2 normally flammable (Self-assessment without test certificate) |
| EU food compliance EC 10/2011 | yes |
| FDA food compliance | yes |
| Notes | EU food compliance applies to natural, black, green and dark blue colours. FDA food compliance applies to natural and green colours. |
Key Considerations When Selecting Polyethylene
Like any material, polyethylene has certain limitations that should be understood before selecting it for a specific application. Overall mechanical strength — in tension and bending — is lower than engineering polymers such as PA6 or POM, and long-term dimensional stability may be limited in applications requiring very tight tolerances.
PE is difficult to bond with conventional adhesives due to its non-polar surface: the most reliable joining method remains hot-air welding or mechanical fastening using screws and rivets. It cannot be welded by high-frequency methods.
Weathering resistance of standard grades is limited: for extended outdoor applications, versions with UV stabilisers should be selected, typically available in black.
If you are unsure which grade best suits your needs — PE HD 300, PE HMW 500 or PE UHMW 1000 — our technical department is available for free consultation.
Shipping and Delivery Across Europe
Polyethylene sheets and bars are not classified as hazardous goods under current transport regulations: no special symbols or particular markings are required on the packaging.
Shipments are made throughout Europe with major express carriers: GLS Executive, BRT Bartolini, FedEx and DHL. Materials can be delivered as individual sheets or on pallets, depending on quantities and the customer’s logistical requirements.
Customers who prefer to collect in person are welcome to pick up goods at our Padua warehouse during warehouse opening hours.
Request a Quote for Polyethylene Sheets and Bars
Do you need polyethylene sheets or bars? Contact us at Larosi Srl to receive availability, pricing and delivery times. We operate exclusively in the B2B segment and regularly work with distributors, mechanical workshops, food equipment manufacturers and specialist resellers.