Best plastics for marine applications
Marine environments combine saltwater, UV, temperature cycling and biofouling. HDPE (Starboard), PVC-foam, GRP, and specific fluoropolymers dominate. Aluminium is often replaced by HDPE for deck hardware, fenders and storage.
What to look for
- Zero water absorption or well below 0.5 %
- UV-stabilised for permanent outdoor exposure
- Resistant to marine growth cleaning agents
- No galvanic issue with adjacent stainless / aluminium
Top materials for best plastics for marine applications
- #1HDPEHigh-Density Polyethylene
A rigid, chemical-resistant polyethylene used for bottles, pipes, and industrial containers.
- #2ASA UV ResistantAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate UV Resistant
Excellent weatherability and UV resistance, good impact strength.
- #3MDPE Pipe GradeMedium-Density Polyethylene Pipe Grade
Good rigidity and stress crack resistance for pipe applications.
- #4HDPE Injection MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Injection Molding
Rigid, strong, and chemically resistant material for crates, caps, and household goods.
- #5HDPE Blow MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Blow Molding
Durable and chemically resistant for bottles, drums, and tanks.
- #6PVC Rigid PipeRigid Polyvinyl Chloride for Pipe Applications
Durable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective for water and drainage pipes.
- #7PVC Flexible CableFlexible Polyvinyl Chloride for Cable Jacketing
Durable, flexible, and flame-retardant for electrical cable insulation and jacketing.
- #8CPVC Hot Water PipeChlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride for Hot Water Piping
Higher temperature and pressure rating than PVC for hot water systems.
- #9Rigid Unsaturated PolyesterUnsaturated Polyester Resin
Versatile, cost-effective resin for composites, casting, and coatings.
- #10PHA Flexible Grade DPolyhydroxyalkanoate, Flexible Grade D
A flexible grade of PHA offering good toughness and biodegradability in various environmental conditions.
- #11Bio-PE High DensityBio-based Polyethylene, High Density
A high-density polyethylene produced from renewable sugarcane, chemically identical to conventional HDPE.
- #12rHDPE PCR NaturalRecycled High-Density Polyethylene Post-Consumer Recycled Natural
Natural colored post-consumer recycled HDPE, suitable for packaging and consumer goods.
- #13rHDPE PIR ColoredRecycled High-Density Polyethylene Post-Industrial Recycled Colored
Colored post-industrial recycled HDPE, suitable for applications where color consistency is key.
- #14rPVC Rigid ClearRecycled Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Clear
Clear, rigid recycled PVC for profiles and pipes.
- #15rHDPE PCR Colored (Blue)Recycled High-Density Polyethylene Post-Consumer Recycled Colored (Blue)
Blue colored post-consumer recycled HDPE, suitable for industrial packaging and containers.