Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyester: Properties & Usage

All four of our poly materials have passed the Photo Activity Test. This test was run by an independent lab certifying that our poly materials are safe for long-term storage.

LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) is a by-product of natural gas. It is a soft clear material that has some give to it. It has excellent contact clarity. 3mil is by far the most popular thickness. Our polyethylene is made from 100% pure-virgin material. Use for Long-term storage.

HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) is a by-product of natural gas or oil. It's resistant to static, UV, corrosion and solvents. Will not leach and is good for Long-term storage.

POLYPROPYLENE (PP) is a crystal-clear, high sheen, crisp material. We use bi-oriented polypro which means that when the material is made, it is stretched in both directions so that in time it will not "pucker" (decreasing the clarity). Use for Long-term storage.

ARCHIVAL POLYESTER (PET) (Mylar) is an inert material of the highest clarity. We use DuPont inert Melinex® or a suitable equivalent. Polyester (Mylar) will not discolor, damage, or adhere to items placed inside it. It is a sturdy film that beautifully displays, timelessly protects, and gives extra support to fragile documents. Used by the Library of Congress. Indefinite Storage.

POLYOLEFIN shrink is extremely durable and has taken the place of PVC in many applications. It is an FDA-approved food-safe material. It has a high degree of flexibility along with low shrink temperature and high flame retardancy. Long-term storage.

We also stock some POLYVINYL (PVC) vinyl record sleeves. This material is meant to be used for short-term display only. It is semi-rigid with decent contact clarity.

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