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
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).
