Knowledge
Choosing HDPE for Crates, Trays and Caps
2026-09-14 · Ascent Group Editorial
Returnable packaging parts stress resin in different ways. Crates need stiffness for stacking and impact for forklifts; trays need flatness for automation; caps need thread precision and release speed.
Density drives stiffness, molecular weight drives toughness, and distribution ties the two together. A narrow-distribution grade at density 964, like M864E, serves all three part families because flatness and toughness come from the same structural source.
Buyers can simplify by auditing their part families against one grade first; the savings in inventory and changeovers often outweigh a marginal property gain from a specialized resin.
