Best plastics for water tanks
Rotomoulded HDPE dominates residential and agricultural water tanks — cheap, UV-stabilised, WRAS/NSF-61 approved for potable water, and repairable. PP takes over for hot water and mild chemicals; PVDF and PP-natural for aggressive chemistry.
What to look for
- NSF-61 / WRAS approval for potable use
- Stress-crack resistance under permanent hydrostatic load
- Weathering package (carbon black or HALS) for outdoor UV
- Rotomouldable in one piece up to the target capacity
Top materials for best plastics for water tanks
- #1HDPEHigh-Density Polyethylene
A rigid, chemical-resistant polyethylene used for bottles, pipes, and industrial containers.
- #2MDPE Pipe GradeMedium-Density Polyethylene Pipe Grade
Good rigidity and stress crack resistance for pipe applications.
- #3HDPE Injection MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Injection Molding
Rigid, strong, and chemically resistant material for crates, caps, and household goods.
- #4HDPE Blow MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Blow Molding
Durable and chemically resistant for bottles, drums, and tanks.
- #5XLPE Wire and CableCross-linked Polyethylene for Wire and Cable
Excellent electrical insulation with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.
- #6CPVC Hot Water PipeChlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride for Hot Water Piping
Higher temperature and pressure rating than PVC for hot water systems.
- #7Chemical Resistant Vinyl EsterVinyl Ester Resin
Excellent chemical resistance, particularly to acids and solvents, with good mechanical properties.
- #8Bio-PE High DensityBio-based Polyethylene, High Density
A high-density polyethylene produced from renewable sugarcane, chemically identical to conventional HDPE.
- #9PEF Barrier BottlePolyethylene Furanoate, Barrier Bottle Grade R
A 100% bio-based polyester with superior barrier properties to PET, suitable for packaging.
- #10Bio-PE Low DensityBio-based Polyethylene, Low Density
A low-density polyethylene made from sugarcane, offering the flexibility and toughness of conventional LDPE.
- #11PETG FDM FilamentPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified Filament for FDM
Durable, impact-resistant, and chemically resistant filament suitable for functional parts and prototypes.
- #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.
- #14rHDPE PCR Colored (Blue)Recycled High-Density Polyethylene Post-Consumer Recycled Colored (Blue)
Blue colored post-consumer recycled HDPE, suitable for industrial packaging and containers.
Frequently asked
HDPE. It's cheaper, has better UV packages available and is the standard for rotomoulded tanks up to 30 m³.
Only if the specific compound is certified NSF-61 or WRAS. Most recycled HDPE is not.