HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a popular plastic used in containers for food, beverages, medicine, and chemicals due to its strength, lightweight nature, and chemical resistance. But can it handle boiling water?
HDPE has good heat resistance compared to many other plastics, but it is not designed to handle boiling water (100°C / 212°F) for prolonged periods. Exposing HDPE containers to boiling temperatures can cause:
- Softening or warping of the plastic
- Loss of structural strength
- Potential deformation of the bottle shape
- In rare cases, leaching of additives, if not food-grade
HDPE Temperature Tolerance
- Working Temperature: -20°C to about 70–80°C (158–176°F)
- Melting Point: Approximately 130°C (266°F)
While HDPE can briefly tolerate hot water, direct exposure to boiling water is not safe, especially for packaging applications that require shape stability and safety.
If you plan to use HDPE containers with warm or hot liquids (under 80°C), make sure:
- The container is food-grade certified
- It's not sealed tightly when hot (to avoid pressure build-up)
- The use is short-term, not for cooking or long-term storage of hot fluids
For applications requiring high heat resistance, materials like polypropylene (PP) or borosilicate glass may be better options.