Polyethylene - (PE500 HMWPE) - Pressed & Planed Sheet

HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene or PE500) is a durable, low-friction material with excellent impact and abrasion resistance. Food-compliant, it's used in chopping boards and suits industrial, engineering, and food-grade applications. Available in natural, black and a range of colours. 

Key Features and Benefits

• Food-Safe Compliance: Compliant with food safety agency (FSA) standards and European Union (EU) regulations, suitable for food-related applications.
• Low Coefficient of Friction: Reduces wear and tear, ideal for sliding and moving parts in machinery.
• Very Low Moisture Absorption: Ensures dimensional stability and durability even in humid environments.
• Excellent Impact Strength: Highly resistant to damage from impacts, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
• Wide Temperature Range (-60°C to +80°C): Performs reliably in both extremely cold and hot environments.
• Harder Wearing Than PE300: Offers superior wear resistance for demanding industrial applications.
• Available in Various Colours: Customizable to suit different design needs and aesthetic preferences.
• Good Low Temperature Resistance: Maintains performance in cold environments, making it ideal for freezer applications.

Typical Applications of Polyethylene HMWPE (PE500)

• Food Chopping Boards – PE500 is food-safe, non-porous, and highly resistant to bacteria, making it ideal for durable and hygienic chopping boards used in commercial kitchens and food processing.
• Leisure Equipment – With excellent impact strength and wear resistance, PE500 is widely used in playgrounds, sports facilities, and amusement parks for durable, low-friction components.
• Conveyor Systems – Its low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance make PE500 perfect for conveyor guides, wear strips, and impact-resistant machine components.
• Dairy Industry – PE500’s food-grade compliance, chemical resistance, and easy-to-clean surface make it an essential material for dairy processing and parlour boards.
• Ice Rinks – Due to its excellent sliding properties and resistance to low temperatures, PE500 is used for ice rink kickboards, barriers, and synthetic skating surfaces.

Colour uses and applications

• Natural: The neutral shade of natural HMWPE is ideal for engineering applications where performance is the priority. It is commonly used in industrial machinery parts, custom fabrication projects, and environments where the material's functional properties are more important than its appearance.
• Black: Black HMWPE is known for its durability and resistance to UV radiation, making it perfect for outdoor and heavy-duty applications. It’s widely used in industrial applications, chemical handling, and parts exposed to harsh environments, where its strength and resistance to wear are critical.
• Blue: Blue HMWPE is often used in food processing environments, as it provides a clear contrast for spotting contamination or debris. It is commonly used in food-grade applications such as cutting boards and equipment, as well as in colour-coded systems for easier maintenance and safety compliance.
• Green: Green HMWPE is typically used in agricultural machinery and equipment, as well as in eco-friendly products. It is also used for colour-coded applications in industrial settings, where differentiating between parts and materials is important for organization and efficiency.
• Red: Red HMWPE is widely used in safety-related applications due to its high visibility. It is commonly found in construction environments, signage, and components that need to stand out, helping to clearly mark warning areas or identify key machinery parts.
• Yellow: Yellow HMWPE is highly visible, making it suitable for applications requiring caution or attention. It is often used in safety-related products, such as hazard signage, protective barriers, and in industrial environments where visibility and safety are top priorities.

Specific gravity 0.95 

With a specific gravity of 0.95, PE500 is lighter than water, offering buoyancy and making it ideal for weight-sensitive applications in packaging, boat construction, and transport.

Manufacturing Process – Pressed and Planed

The HMWPE (PE500) sheets are produced through a compression molding process, where high molecular weight polyethylene is heated and pressed into molds to create sheets of precise thickness and uniform quality. After pressing, the sheets are planed to achieve a smooth, precise surface finish. This process ensures:

• Enhanced material strength 
• Uniform thickness and density 
• Smooth, precision surface 

This manufacturing process results in a high-performance material with exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and durability, making PE500 well-suited for demanding industrial, engineering, and food-safe applications.

Cut to Size Bespoke Fabrication Services

Our cut to size service allows you to purchase PE500 Sheets in the exact dimensions you need, without having to buy full, manufactured sheet sizes. We don’t charge for cutting standard shapes and sizes listed on our website.

For more customised projects, we also offer bespoke fabrication services, including:

• CNC Laser Cutting – For precise and intricate designs.
• CNC Routing – Ideal for complex shapes and large-scale projects.
• Engraving – Perfect for personalised or technical detailing.
• Additional options – Such as drilled holes, rounded corners, and edge polishing for a professional finish.

Sustainability and Recycling

PE500 sheets can only be recycled through specialised processes. However, its durability and extended lifespan reduce the need for frequent replacements, making it a more sustainable choice for long-term industrial applications 

We offer fast, tracked delivery across the UK, using recognised couriers including Royal Mail, DHL and Parcel Force.

Shipping to Europe or North America? We now deliver to both from our dedicated regional stores. Visit our Europe store or North America store for pricing and delivery to your region.

How delivery is priced

Delivery is charged on the longest side of your panel, rather than its area or weight.

A sheet measuring 1500mm × 1000mm is priced on its 1500mm side; a long, narrow strip of 2200mm × 150mm is priced on its 2200mm side. Whichever single dimension is longest sets the price.

Only one delivery charge applies per order, however many pieces you order.

UK delivery costs

Accessories are charged separately at £7.95 standard / £12.95 express.

Free delivery on orders over £250, excluding orders fulfilled direct from the manufacturer - see below.

All prices include VAT.

Delivery times

• Standard — 3–5 working days
• Express — 2–3 working days, prioritised over standard orders and sent via a recognised nationwide courier

Next-day delivery

We don't offer next-day delivery online due to the volume and the bespoke, made-to-measure nature of the orders we handle each day. If you're working to a deadline, get in touch — we'll do everything we can to meet it.

UK remote areas

Because we supply made-to-measure products, we offer delivery at standard national rates wherever we can. A small number of locations cost us more to reach, so a remote area supplement is added automatically at checkout:

All prices include VAT.

Locations that may incur a supplement include the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight, the Scottish Islands and Highlands, remote areas of Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

In rare cases, an order to one of these areas may be economically unviable to fulfil. If that happens, we'll always contact you first to discuss options before taking any action — we won't simply cancel.

Third-party deliveries

Some products are dispatched directly from the manufacturer via a third-party courier. Where this applies, it's clearly stated on the product page under the Delivery tab.