Film converters rarely buy “polyethylene” in general. They buy a specific LDPE or LLDPE grade, or a blend, to meet a film thickness, strength and appearance target on a blown or cast line. This checklist covers LDPE and LLDPE film resin and is written for converters and importers in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC who want to compare suppliers on facts before asking for a price. HDPE is a separate material and is not covered here.
This is a buyer’s reference, not a PLAXRAW product specification. The material is described on the LLDPE reference page. PLAXRAW does not publish prices or stock on this page; to discuss a requirement use the quotation request form, and any grade, availability and price are confirmed in writing for your enquiry.
Step 1: Fix the application before the grade
- Blown film: melt index, density and the additive package decide bubble stability and film properties; see blown film material selection.
- Cast film and general packaging: choose grades the producer designates for the process and the film standard you work to (for example ASTM D4635 for LDPE and LLDPE film).
- Filled film: adding filler masterbatch changes the formulation; see the filler masterbatch checklist.
State the film type, thickness and the properties the finished film must meet.
Step 2: Specify the product, not just the name
| Item | What to ask for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Resin type and blend | LDPE, LLDPE or the blend you plan, with the producer grade names | Film toughness, processing and appearance depend on the resin and the blend. |
| Melt index | Melt index with the test method and conditions (for example ASTM D1238) | Values are comparable only under the same conditions; see the melt flow guide. |
| Density | Density with its method | Affects stiffness and film properties. |
| Additives | Slip, antiblock and stabiliser content declared in the TDS | Control friction, blocking and processing stability. |
| Film standard and process designation | The process the producer recommends and any film standard (for example ASTM D4635) the resin is intended for | Grades are tuned for blown or cast processes. |
| Regulatory fit | SDS and any food-contact or other declaration for your end product | A resin data sheet does not by default cover regulated end uses. |
Step 3: Ask for the documents that prove it
Request the current technical data sheet (TDS) and safety data sheet (SDS) for each grade and a certificate of analysis (COA) per shipment where issued. Compare a sample from the commercial production route against your control resin, changing one variable at a time, and keep retained samples. Read flow data with care: see melt flow index and batch consistency. If you use recycled content, see qualifying recycled resin.
Step 4: Fix the commercial terms
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Packaging: 25 kg bags on pallets or bulk bags, with moisture protection.
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Quantity and timing: trial quantity, regular volume and delivery window.
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Delivery term: state the Incoterms 2020 term you want quoted so offers are comparable.
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Import requirements: confirm with your customs broker which conformity and customs documents apply to your product in Saudi Arabia or the destination country before shipment.
Compare offers by landed cost per usable unit, including freight and trial cost, not by the ex-works figure alone.
Enquiry template
- Film type (blown or cast), thickness and finished-film requirements.
- Resin type or blend, melt index and density, or “open to recommendation”.
- Additive needs (slip, antiblock) and any filler masterbatch plan.
- Required documents (TDS, SDS, COA, any declaration).
- Trial quantity and regular volume.
- Packaging, delivery place and Incoterms term.
Send it through the PLAXRAW quotation form. PLAXRAW reviews it and replies with the relevant questions or options; it does not promise stock, specifications or lead times before the details are confirmed.
Related reading
- Melt Flow Index and Batch-to-Batch Resin Consistency
- Qualifying Recycled Resin Content Without Contamination Risk
- How to Source Filler Masterbatch: Specification and Supplier Checklist
- Coated vs Uncoated Calcium Carbonate for Polymers
Sources and editorial scope
Prepared by the PLAXRAW editorial team on 15 October 2026. This is editorial buying guidance, not PLAXRAW laboratory data, and it contains no price, stock or lead-time commitment. Standards are named so you can ask a supplier which method applies; consult the current edition of each standard for its scope.
- ASTM D4635 — Standard Specification for Plastic Films Made from LDPE and LLDPE for General Use and Packaging Applications.
- ASTM D4976 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials.
- ASTM D1238 — melt flow rate test method, named so you can ask which method a supplier uses.
- OQ — Luban LL-F1801 and LL-F1802 technical data sheets (August 2025), cited as an example of manufacturer film-grade TDS.
- ICC — Incoterms 2020.
Content updated:
