1
Sep
Storage Solutions in the Lab: Why Polypropylene Containers Outperform HDPE in Some Applications
Laboratories depend on reliable storage containers to protect chemicals, samples, and reagents. Two common plastics dominate lab storage — polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). While both are widely used, PP containers often deliver advantages in durability, heat resistance, and reusability. Understanding these differences helps Australian laboratories choose the most suitable option for safety, compliance, and sustainability.
Why Material Choice Matters
The wrong storage container can compromise sample stability, cause contamination, or lead to costly breakages. PP and HDPE each have strengths, but laboratories must weigh thermal tolerance, chemical compatibility, and reusability when deciding which to use.
LabChoice Australia supplies both polypropylene and HDPE containers, manufactured to international quality standards and designed for repeated use in Australian schools, universities, and industry labs.
Polypropylene vs HDPE Comparison
| Feature | Polypropylene (PP) | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | Autoclavable, withstands 121 °C | Not autoclavable, softens above 80–100 °C |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent against acids, bases, solvents | Strong resistance, but less tolerant to heat |
| Transparency | Translucent, easier to view contents | Opaque, harder to check levels visually |
| Durability | Rigid, resists cracking | Impact-resistant, flexible, less rigid |
| Eco Consideration | Reusable, recyclable in many streams | Recyclable but often used for disposables |
When to Use Each
- Polypropylene Containers: Best for applications requiring heat sterilisation. For example, a Brisbane microbiology lab uses LabChoice PP bottles for autoclaving nutrient broth, ensuring sterility without degradation.
- HDPE Containers: More suitable for chemical transport and bulk storage. A Melbourne school science department uses LabChoice HDPE wash bottles for safe handling of cleaning solutions due to their flexibility and impact resistance.
LabChoice Advantage
All LabChoice containers are manufactured from laboratory-grade PP or HDPE for maximum safety and reliability. PP containers are autoclavable and reusable, supporting sustainable laboratory practices, while HDPE bottles are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective for bulk handling. By supplying both options, LabChoice Australia helps laboratories meet diverse storage and safety requirements.
FAQs
Can HDPE bottles be autoclaved?
No, HDPE softens at high temperatures and should not be autoclaved.
Are PP containers safe for repeated use?
Yes, they are autoclavable and retain integrity across many cycles.
Which material is more eco-friendly?
PP offers better sustainability due to reusability, though both can be recycled depending on local facilities.
Do both materials resist acids and bases?
Yes, both PP and HDPE have excellent chemical resistance.
📚 References
Standards & Specifications
- ISO 1873-1:2015 – Plastics — Polypropylene (PP) moulding and extrusion materials — Part 1: Designation system and basis for specifications. International Organization for Standardization.
https://www.iso.org/standard/60371.html - ISO 17855-1:2014 – Plastics — Polyethylene (PE) for moulding and extrusion — Part 1: Designation system and basis for specifications. International Organization for Standardization.
https://www.iso.org/standard/61506.html - ASTM D4101-18 – Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials. ASTM International.
https://www.astm.org/d4101-18.html - ASTM D3350-22 – Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials. ASTM International.
https://www.astm.org/d3350-22.html
Academic & Safety Guides
University of New South Wales – School of Chemistry – Undergraduate Laboratory Manual: Safe Use of Plasticware (PP & HDPE) in Chemical Experiments. Sydney, Australia.
American Chemical Society (ACS) – Laboratory Plasticware: Selection, Safety, and Chemical Compatibility. ACS Safety Resources.
https://www.acs.org/safety
CSIRO – Materials and Infrastructure Research – Chemical Resistance and Handling of Plastic Containers in Australian Laboratories. CSIRO, Australia.
https://www.csiro.au
