HDPE Plastic (High density polyethylene)

Typical uses for HDPE plastic that you would find in everyday life are: Milk bottles, Food jars, Cereal box liners, detergent and other cleaning product bottles, water cooler jugs.

For the shell of our bike we will be using HDPE Plastics. We have chosen this plastic in a black colour as it is not too expensive, its easy to mould using heat and it is recyclable (number 2). Also it has an appropriate amount of strength which will benefit our car shell greatly.

HDPE repels insects, water, rotting and won't react to most chemicals which makes it a very reliable material to use compared to flexi plywood or other timber products. It is also lightweight which is great in ensuring the mobility and speed of our bike which woods and metal would hinder.

Recycling HDPE is easy and great for the environment as it does not release any toxins or chemicals and no harmful emissions into our atmosphere.
To recycle you need to clean, shred and ground it. This raw material is then mixed with UV stabilisers and pigments and can then be extruded into standard shapes.