Two bin liners of the same thickness can differ greatly in strength depending on the material. This page explains the three common polyethylene grades, how to convert thickness units, and how to choose a thickness for the job.
Thickness units
Thickness is quoted in different units in different regions. HDPE liners in Asia and Europe are usually quoted in microns, while LDPE and LLDPE liners in the USA and Canada are usually quoted in mils.
| Unit | Definition | Common in |
|---|---|---|
| micron（µm） | 1/1000 of a millimetre | Asia and Europe; the standard unit for HDPE liners |
| mil | 1/1000 of an inch, equal to 25.4 microns | USA and Canada; common for LDPE and LLDPE liners |
Microns and mils cannot be compared directly across materials: a 6 micron HDPE liner and a 0.6 mil LDPE liner are entirely different products.
Materials
All three are polyethylene. The difference lies in how much the molecular chains branch, which changes both the thickness needed for a given load and the jobs each grade suits.
Few side branches on the molecular chain give a tightly packed structure, so it can be made thinner and still hold its strength. It looks frosty and stiff with a slight crinkle, and is usually quoted in microns.
Best for: paper, packaging, and office or bathroom waste — the most economical option.
More side branches make it soft and stretchy with good puncture resistance. It looks clear and glossy and is usually quoted in mils, needing a thicker film for the same load.
Best for: sharp objects, construction debris, and industrial or wet waste — heavier and irregular loads.
It sits between the two, combining tensile strength with puncture resistance and stretching well under load, which makes it the general-purpose choice for mixed waste.
Best for: offices, restaurants and institutions where the waste type varies.
Comparison
| Property | HDPE | LDPE | LLDPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Higher | Medium | Higher |
| Puncture resistance | Lower | High | Medium-high |
| Stretch | Low | High | Medium |
| Appearance | Frosty, stiff | Clear, soft, glossy | Translucent, soft |
| Usual unit | micron（µm） | mil | mil |
| Typical thickness | 6–22 µm | 0.6–6 mil | Depends on the application |
Choosing a thickness
Thickness is a trade-off between strength and cost. The grades below are common, but the right choice still depends on the load, the type of waste and how often the liner is changed.
| Grade | Thickness (micron) | Thickness (mil) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light duty | 10–20 µm | 0.4–0.8 mil | Offices, bathrooms and paper waste |
| Medium duty | 25–35 µm | 1.0–1.4 mil | General mixed waste |
| Heavy duty | 40–80 µm | 1.6–3.2 mil | Industrial waste and wet waste |
| Industrial | 75 µm or above | 3 mil or above | Construction and building debris |
Load ratings
Some markets quote thickness in gauge and state the weight a liner can hold as a drop test. Gauge is not defined consistently between manufacturers, so the same gauge can mean a different thickness from one supplier to the next.
| Grade | Typical gauge | Typical drop test |
|---|---|---|
| Light duty | ~71 | 5–10 kg |
| Medium duty | ~87–120 | 10–15 kg |
| Heavy duty | ~106–120 | 15–20 kg |
| Extra heavy duty | ~177–180 | 20–25 kg |
| Super heavy duty | ~236 | 25 kg |
Wheelie bin liners are designed to line a bin rather than to be lifted when full, so a drop test figure is not normally quoted.
Resin
At the same thickness, the resin blend also affects real-world strength. These three points are worth confirming before you order.
Requesting a quote
FAQ
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