MateriumPlastics · Material reference
HDPE: properties and identification clues
Learn about high-density polyethylene, resin code 2, common bottle uses and the details that help identify plastic packaging.
Read as Markdown ↗HDPE means high-density polyethylene. It is a versatile plastic used in bottles, household products and other moulded items. Its formulation and thickness can produce different appearances, which makes the product’s markings especially helpful.
| Full name | High-density polyethylene |
|---|---|
| Packaging resin code | 2 — HDPE |
| Common examples | Milk bottles and cleaning-product bottles |
What to look for
Look for HDPE or a number 2 on the base. Record the handle, neck, wall appearance and closure. An uncoloured bottle may look milky or translucent; pigments and wall thickness can change this appearance.
Make a useful comparison
HDPE and PET bottles can serve different packaging needs. Start a comparison with declared material markings rather than colour alone. The bottle cap and label may be different materials from the body.
Explore it with Materium
Use a clean, empty household bottle as a reference. Photograph its base and overall shape, explore it with Materium, and compare the assessment with the moulded declaration. Keep any separate component markings in your notes.
Materium brings visible patterns, finish and object context into an AI-assisted assessment. Learn how the analysis works. These references provide supporting reading, separate from the app’s generated report.
Care, reuse and recycling context
Check local instructions for the actual bottle or item. A collector’s acceptance of HDPE bottles does not automatically extend to every HDPE product. Follow the on-pack preparation and closure instructions where provided.
Related materials
Keep learning
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 2026-10-19. Industry and manufacturer references are labelled; collection guidance applies to the stated location.
- British Plastics Federation — HDPE properties and uses (industry reference)
- Recycle Now — packaging symbols and local collection (UK)
Educational content prepared with AI assistance. Editorial and corrections policy.