Polymers are any class of natural or synthetic substances composed of very large molecules, called macromolecules, that are multiples of simpler chemical units called monomers. Polymers constitute the basis of such minerals as diamond, quartz, and feldspar and man-made materials as concrete, glass, paper, plastics, and rubbers.

Plastics vs. Polymers: What’s the Difference?

Although often used interchangeably, polymers and plastics are not always the same thing. Polymers can exist organically or be created synthetically, and consist of chains of joined individual molecules or monomers. Plastics are a type of polymer composed of chains of polymers that can be partially organic or fully synthetic. Simply put, all plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastics.

Which polymer category is used for most packaging applications?

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the top choice of plastic for packaging. It's translucent, chemical, and solvent resistant. HDPE has high tensile strength, which makes it durable and able to withstand higher temperatures when compared to other plastics.