Polypropylene
Light, heat tolerant and chemically resistant. Supplied as homopolymer, copolymer and dedicated pipe resins for packaging, automotive, textile and plumbing applications.
Stiffness or toughness: pick one, then pick the grade
Polypropylene is the lightest commodity thermoplastic in common use and the one with the highest service temperature. It resists most acids, alkalis and solvents, and it tolerates repeated flexing better than any other polyolefin, which is why it is the material behind every living hinge you have ever opened.
The family divides on what the chain contains. Homopolymer is pure propylene and gives maximum stiffness and clarity. Copolymer adds ethylene to buy impact strength, particularly in the cold. Pipe grades are a separate conversation again, formulated for long-term hydrostatic strength.
- Homopolymer grades for raffia, BOPP film, fibre and injection moulding.
- Copolymer grades where low-temperature impact strength is required.
- PP-R and PP random pipe resins for hot and cold water systems.
Polypropylene types we supply
Each page lists the complete grade range within that type.
Pure propylene chains. The stiffest and clearest form, and the highest volume, covering raffia, BOPP film, fibre, sheet and general injection moulding.
- Raffia and tape grades
- BOPP and CPP film grades
- Fibre, yarn and injection grades
Ethylene is added to the chain to raise impact strength, especially below zero. Block copolymer for toughness, random copolymer for clarity and flexibility.
- Block copolymer for impact
- Random copolymer for clarity
- Automotive and crate grades
Resins formulated for long-term hydrostatic strength rather than short-term stiffness. The material behind hot and cold water plumbing and industrial pipework.
- PP-R hot water pipe grades
- Cold water and drainage grades
- Fittings and compound grades
Where polypropylene is used
Polypropylene shows up wherever weight, heat resistance or chemical attack is the constraint, which covers a very wide range of industries.
- Woven sacks, raffia and FIBC fabric
- BOPP film for packaging and labels
- Caps, closures and living hinges
- Food containers and microwaveable packs
- Hot and cold water pipe systems
- Automotive bumpers and interior trim
- Non-woven fabric and staple fibre
- Crates, pallets and industrial mouldings
Homopolymer or copolymer for your part?
Tell us the service temperature, the impact requirement and the process. That is usually enough to narrow it to two or three grades.