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 Europe, using recognised couriers including DHL.

Not shipping to Europe? Visit our UK store or North America store for delivery to your region.

Where we deliver

We currently deliver to Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

How delivery is priced

European delivery is priced by the size and weight of your panel, based on the band your order falls into:

Orders that exceed the weight allowance for their band are charged €1 per additional kg.

Delivery times

Delivery takes 5–7 working days.

Customs, import taxes and VAT

Our checkout meets EU customs and import requirements in full, so there are no surprises once your order ships. At checkout, you can choose how import taxes and duties are handled:

• Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) — we collect and pay all import taxes and duties on your behalf. Your order arrives at your door with nothing more to pay.
• Delivered At Place (DAP) — available to businesses with an EORI number. You act as the importer of record and settle any import VAT and duties directly.