At CuttingBoardWerks, our plastic commercial cutting boards are made out of high-density polyethylene, or HDPE. But what are HDPE commercial cutting boards? Where does HDPE come from? Why is it used in our cutting boards? Let’s find out.
What are HDPE Commercial Cutting Boards?
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a type of plastic. The thermoplastic polymer is made from the natural gas ethane. The ethane is heated to the point where its molecules break, which then creates ethylene. That then creates a chain of ethylene molecules that are strung together.
HDPE was created in the 1930s by the United Kingdom. It was used in high-frequency radar cables during World War II before becoming popular in the U.S. during the 1950s. Nowadays, it is labeled as a #2 plastic.
It is the most widely used type of plastic. It is used in dozens and dozens of products, often to replace heavier materials: milk jugs, bottles, food, beverage and chemical containers, pipes, cutting boards, plastic lumber, toys, furniture, lawn and garden products, automobile and bike parts and more.
Qualities
The reason for HDPE’s popularity? It’s numerous qualities.
HDPE is:
- Dishwasher safe
- Easily moldable due to its malleability
- Has a high melting point of about 130 degrees Celsius
- Impact, weather, mold, rotting, mildew, corrosion, acid, chemical and UV resistant
- Impervious to most common chemicals, water, solvents, acids, detergents, cleaning fluids and mineral acids and bases
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Strong due its large strength-to-density ratio
HDPE in the Environment
HDPE is an eco-friendly plastic; it is certified by the Food and Drug Administration, National Sanitation Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture. It doesn’t contain phthalates, heavy metals or allergens, and it doesn’t give off harmful fumes or leak toxic chemicals.
HDPE requires less energy to produce. In turn, it is often recycled and reused in toys, bottles, trash cans, plastic lumber, composite wood and more.
At CuttingBoardWerks, we supply custom commercial cutting boards for customers in the foodservice industry.
Our selection of HDPE cutting boards come in an array of seven colors (red, yellow, green, blue, beige, black and natural white), and natural white comes in four thicknesses (1/4″, 1/2”, 3/4” and 1”), so you can create your perfect cutting board. Our popular color cutting boards are available in the 1/2″ and 3/4″ thicknesses.
Now that you know what HDPE is, shop for commercial cutting boards today!
