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Commodity Plastics Comparison Chart

Commodity plastics are the workhorses of chemical storage — affordable, easy to fabricate, and resistant to many chemicals. This chart compares the five most common options to help you balance cost against chemical compatibility.

A = Excellent B = Good C = Limited D = Not Recommended

All rated rows, by rating

All rated rows, by ratingHDPE: A 82 %, B 3 %, C 9 %, D 6 %. LDPE: A 78 %, B 4 %, C 11 %, D 8 %. PP: A 66 %, B 11 %, C 15 %, D 8 %. PVC Rigid: A 62 %, B 8 %, C 9 %, D 21 %. PVC Flexible: A 45 %, B 1 %, C 17 %, D 37 %.HDPE (686)HDPE: A 82 % (561)A 82 %HDPE: B 3 % (24)HDPE: C 9 % (60)CHDPE: D 6 % (41)DLDPE (678)LDPE: A 78 % (526)A 78 %LDPE: B 4 % (26)LDPE: C 11 % (74)CLDPE: D 8 % (52)DPP (978)PP: A 66 % (643)A 66 %PP: B 11 % (111)BPP: C 15 % (150)C 15 %PP: D 8 % (74)DPVC Rigid (569)PVC Rigid: A 62 % (352)A 62 %PVC Rigid: B 8 % (43)BPVC Rigid: C 9 % (52)CPVC Rigid: D 21 % (122)D 21 %PVC Flexible (344)PVC Flexible: A 45 % (154)A 45 %PVC Flexible: B 1 % (4)PVC Flexible: C 17 % (58)C 17 %PVC Flexible: D 37 % (128)D 37 %
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistant
Share of each rating at 20 °C. The number in brackets is the number of rated source rows.

Share of rows rated A or B, by material and chemical class

Share of rows rated A or B, by material and chemical classMineral acids: HDPE 79 %, LDPE 71 %, PP 70 %, PVC Rigid 82 %, PVC Flexible 41 %. Organic acids: HDPE 95 %, LDPE 93 %, PP 97 %, PVC Rigid 87 %, PVC Flexible 60 %. Alkalis: HDPE 100 %, LDPE 100 %, PP 100 %, PVC Rigid 100 %, PVC Flexible 100 %. Salts and salt solutions: HDPE 100 %, LDPE 99 %, PP 99 %, PVC Rigid 100 %, PVC Flexible 96 %. Oxidising agents and halogens: HDPE 78 %, LDPE 76 %, PP 72 %, PVC Rigid 85 %, PVC Flexible 47 %. Alcohols and glycols: HDPE 93 %, LDPE 89 %, PP 93 %, PVC Rigid 79 %, PVC Flexible 8 %. Phenols: HDPE 62 %, LDPE 67 %, PP 79 %, PVC Rigid 38 %. Ketones and aldehydes: HDPE 84 %, LDPE 63 %, PP 69 %, PVC Rigid 11 %, PVC Flexible 0 %. Esters and ethers: HDPE 73 %, LDPE 68 %, PP 63 %, PVC Rigid 5 %, PVC Flexible 4 %. Amines and nitrogen compounds: HDPE 90 %, LDPE 95 %, PP 79 %, PVC Rigid 23 %, PVC Flexible 0 %. Aromatic hydrocarbons: HDPE 33 %, LDPE 20 %, PP 14 %, PVC Rigid 0 %. Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons: HDPE 79 %, LDPE 66 %, PP 63 %, PVC Rigid 84 %, PVC Flexible 17 %. Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils: HDPE 71 %, LDPE 63 %, PP 75 %, PVC Rigid 59 %. Halogenated hydrocarbons: HDPE 10 %, LDPE 11 %, PP 4 %, PVC Rigid 8 %, PVC Flexible 0 %. Foods and beverages: HDPE 100 %, LDPE 100 %, PP 100 %, PVC Rigid 100 %, PVC Flexible 93 %.HDPELDPEPPPVC-UPVC-PMineral acidsMineral acids, HDPE: 79 % (56)79 %Mineral acids, LDPE: 71 % (48)71 %Mineral acids, PP: 70 % (63)70 %Mineral acids, PVC Rigid: 82 % (56)82 %Mineral acids, PVC Flexible: 41 % (27)41 %Organic acidsOrganic acids, HDPE: 95 % (58)95 %Organic acids, LDPE: 93 % (59)93 %Organic acids, PP: 97 % (64)97 %Organic acids, PVC Rigid: 87 % (45)87 %Organic acids, PVC Flexible: 60 % (25)60 %AlkalisAlkalis, HDPE: 100 % (22)100 %Alkalis, LDPE: 100 % (22)100 %Alkalis, PP: 100 % (22)100 %Alkalis, PVC Rigid: 100 % (16)100 %Alkalis, PVC Flexible: 100 % (11)100 %SaltsSalts and salt solutions, HDPE: 100 % (193)100 %Salts and salt solutions, LDPE: 99 % (187)99 %Salts and salt solutions, PP: 99 % (198)99 %Salts and salt solutions, PVC Rigid: 100 % (111)100 %Salts and salt solutions, PVC Flexible: 96 % (81)96 %OxidisersOxidising agents and halogens, HDPE: 78 % (40)78 %Oxidising agents and halogens, LDPE: 76 % (38)76 %Oxidising agents and halogens, PP: 72 % (61)72 %Oxidising agents and halogens, PVC Rigid: 85 % (39)85 %Oxidising agents and halogens, PVC Flexible: 47 % (17)47 %AlcoholsAlcohols and glycols, HDPE: 93 % (43)93 %Alcohols and glycols, LDPE: 89 % (46)89 %Alcohols and glycols, PP: 93 % (59)93 %Alcohols and glycols, PVC Rigid: 79 % (43)79 %Alcohols and glycols, PVC Flexible: 8 % (26)8 %PhenolsPhenols, HDPE: 62 % (8)62 %Phenols, LDPE: 67 % (9)67 %Phenols, PP: 79 % (14)79 %Phenols, PVC Rigid: 38 % (8)38 %Phenols, PVC Flexible: no data–Ketones, aldehydesKetones and aldehydes, HDPE: 84 % (19)84 %Ketones and aldehydes, LDPE: 63 % (19)63 %Ketones and aldehydes, PP: 69 % (35)69 %Ketones and aldehydes, PVC Rigid: 11 % (18)11 %Ketones and aldehydes, PVC Flexible: 0 % (9)0 %Esters, ethersEsters and ethers, HDPE: 73 % (37)73 %Esters and ethers, LDPE: 68 % (41)68 %Esters and ethers, PP: 63 % (71)63 %Esters and ethers, PVC Rigid: 5 % (39)5 %Esters and ethers, PVC Flexible: 4 % (25)4 %AminesAmines and nitrogen compounds, HDPE: 90 % (21)90 %Amines and nitrogen compounds, LDPE: 95 % (19)95 %Amines and nitrogen compounds, PP: 79 % (39)79 %Amines and nitrogen compounds, PVC Rigid: 23 % (22)23 %Amines and nitrogen compounds, PVC Flexible: 0 % (12)0 %AromaticsAromatic hydrocarbons, HDPE: 33 % (9)33 %Aromatic hydrocarbons, LDPE: 20 % (10)20 %Aromatic hydrocarbons, PP: 14 % (14)14 %Aromatic hydrocarbons, PVC Rigid: 0 % (9)0 %Aromatic hydrocarbons, PVC Flexible: no data–Fuels, mineral oilsFuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons, HDPE: 79 % (38)79 %Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons, LDPE: 66 % (41)66 %Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons, PP: 63 % (78)63 %Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons, PVC Rigid: 84 % (38)84 %Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons, PVC Flexible: 17 % (23)17 %Vegetable oils, fatsVegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils, HDPE: 71 % (21)71 %Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils, LDPE: 63 % (19)63 %Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils, PP: 75 % (48)75 %Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils, PVC Rigid: 59 % (17)59 %Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils, PVC Flexible: no data–HalogenatedHalogenated hydrocarbons, HDPE: 10 % (31)10 %Halogenated hydrocarbons, LDPE: 11 % (36)11 %Halogenated hydrocarbons, PP: 4 % (70)4 %Halogenated hydrocarbons, PVC Rigid: 8 % (36)8 %Halogenated hydrocarbons, PVC Flexible: 0 % (31)0 %FoodsFoods and beverages, HDPE: 100 % (32)100 %Foods and beverages, LDPE: 100 % (30)100 %Foods and beverages, PP: 100 % (46)100 %Foods and beverages, PVC Rigid: 100 % (23)100 %Foods and beverages, PVC Flexible: 93 % (14)93 %
0–19 %20–39 %40–59 %60–79 %80–100 %
Rating at 20 °C. A dash means fewer than 8 rated rows in that class.

Chemical classes were assigned by this site, not by the source. Mixtures and trade products without a clear class are not counted.

Showing 744 chemicals
Chemical Conc. HDPELDPEPPuPVCpPVC
1,2-Dichlorobenzene
Dichlorbenzol, 1,2-
—CCCDD
1,3-Butadiene
Butadien, 1,3-
—CDDCNR
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
Dichlorbenzol, 1,4-
—BCCDNR
1-Ethylhexanol
Ethylhexanol-1
—NRAAAD
Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyd
40 %CBCDNR
Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyd
techn. reinCBCDNR
Acetamide
Acetamid
gesättigtAAADNR
Acetic Acid
Essigsäure
5 %AAAAC
Acetic Acid
Essigsäure
90%AAAAD
Acetic Anhydride
Essigsäureanhydrid
techn. reinDCADD
Acetone
Aceton
—ACADNR
Acetonitrile
Acetonitril
—AACDNR
Acetophenone
Acetophenon
—NRAADD
Acetylene
Acetylen
100 %AAABD
Acrylonitrile
Acrylnitril
—AACDD
Alanine
Alanin
—AAADNR
Allyl Acetate
Allylacetat
100 %NRAANRD
Allyl Alcohol
Allylalkohol
96 %ACBBD
Allyl Chloride
Allylchlorid
100 %CCDDD
Amyl Acetate
Amylacetat, n-
—ABCDD
Amyl Alcohol
Amylalkohol, n-
—AAABC
Amyl Chloride
Amylchlorid
—CDDDD
Amyl Phthalate
Phthalsäureamylester
100 %NRABNRNR
Aniline
Anilin
—AABDD
Anisole
Anisol
100 %ACCNRNR
Arsenic Acid
Arsensäure
wässrigANRAAC
Arsenic Acid
Arsensäure
—ANRAAC
Battery Acid
Akkusäure
38 %AAAAC
Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyd
—ACADD
Benzene
Benzol
—CCCDNR
Benzenesulfonic Acid
Benzolsulfonsäure
gesättigtAABBNR
Benzyl Acetate
Benzylacetat
—AAADNR
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzylalkohol
—CDDBNR
Bitter Almond Oil
Bittermandelöl
—ACADD
Bitter Orange Oil
Pomeranzenöl
—BCBCNR
Brake Fluid
Bremsflüssigkeit
—AAAAC
Bromine
Brom
—DDDBD
Bromine Water
Bromwasser
gesättigtDDDCNR
Bromobenzene
Brombenzol
—CDDDNR
Bromomethane
Brommethan
techn. reinCDDDD
Butane
Butan
techn. reinAAAAC
Butanetriol
Butantriol
100 %DAACD
Butanol
techn. reinAAABD
Butene
Buten
techn. reinDNRDANR
Butyl Acetate
Essigsäurebutylester
100 %BBCDD
Butyl Acrylate
Butylacrylat
100 %ABCDD
Butyl Glycol
Butylglycol
100 %NRAADD
Butyl Stearate
Stearinsäurebutylester
100 %NRNRBAA
Butylphenol
100 %NRAACD
Butyric Acid
Buttersäure
—CDDBD
Calcium Chloride
Calciumchlorid
alkoholischANRANRD
Calcium Hypochlorite
Calciumhypochlorit
gesättigtAAABC
Calcium Sulfide
Calciumsulfid
—NRCAANR
Camphor
Campher
—CCADD
Carbazole
Carbazol
—AAADNR
Castor Oil
Rizinusöl
100 %AAAAC
Cedar Oil
Zedernöl
—CDDCNR
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetylalkohol
100 %AAAAC
Chloral Hydrate
Chloralhydrat
techn. reinCCCDD
Chloramine-T
Chloramin T
verdünntAACNRA
Chloric Acid
Chlorsäure
10 %ANRDANR
Chloric Acid
Chlorsäure
20 %CAAANR
Chlorine
Chlor
10 % nassCCDANR
Chloroacetic Acid
Chloressigsäure
—AAACD
Chlorobenzene
Chlorbenzol
—CCCDD
Chlorodifluoromethane
Chlordifluormethan
—NRCDBD
Chloroethane
Chlorethan
—CCCDD
Chloroethanol
Chlorethanol
techn. reinANRDDNR
Chloroform
100 %CDCDD
Chloromethane
Chlormethan
techn. reinCBDDD
Chlorosulfonic Acid
Chlorsulfonsäure
techn. reinDDDCD
Chromic Acid
Chromsäure
20 %NRACAA
Chromic Acid
Chromsäure
50 %CCCAA
Cinnamon Oil
Zimtöl
—CDDDNR
Cocoa
Kakao
—AABNRNR
Compressed Air
Pressluft
ölhaltigANRCCNR
Corn Germ Oil
Maiskeimöl
techn. reinANRACNR
Creosote
Kreosot
—AACCD
Cresol
Kresol (-Gemische)
—CDBDD
Crotonaldehyde
Crotonaldehyd
techn. reinANRADNR

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most chemically resistant commodity plastic?
PP (Polypropylene) has the most A-ratings (643) among commodity plastics, with excellent resistance to acids and bases. HDPE is a close second (561 A-ratings) and offers better impact resistance at low temperatures.
What is the difference between HDPE and PP for chemical storage?
Both resist most acids and bases. PP handles higher temperatures (100°C vs 80°C) and has better resistance to organic solvents. HDPE is tougher, more impact-resistant, and performs better in cold environments (down to -50°C vs 0°C for PP).

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