Tag: CuttingBoardWerks

At Cutting Board Werks, our custom cutting boards are made out of two materials: high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, and Richlite. But what is HDPE? What can it be used for? Where does it come from? Why is it used in our cutting boards? Let’s find out. What is HDPE? 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 safeEasily moldable due to its malleabilityHas a high melting point of about 130 degrees CelsiusImpact, weather, mold, rotting, mildew, corrosion, acid,