What is High Density Polyethylene?
Our poly kayak racks are made from recycled HDPE or High-Density Polyethylene. Recycled HDPE plastic is a recyclable, eco-friendly material that’s made from post-consumer products like milk and detergent bottles. We take lumber made from these recycled materials and turn them into attractive, durable, low-maintenance and eco-friendly canoe, SUP and kayak storage racks. But what is HDPE or poly lumber?
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic
The poly lumber we use is manufactured in Wisconsin and is made from 100% plastic – over 90% of which is recycled High Density Polyethylene.
What is HDPE?
HDPE is a strong, lightweight and durable plastic that’s resistant to tearing, corrosion and chemicals. It is made from petroleum and one of the most popular materials used in manufacturing today. It has a large strength-to-density ratio which makes it ideal for lightweight products such as milk, motor oil, shampoo, detergent and bleach bottles and is also used for pipes, crates and other outdoor objects.
HDPE is considered an eco-friendly material because it doesn’t give off any harmful fumes, contain BPA, phthalates, heavy metals or allergens, it doesn’t leak toxic chemicals and manufacturing it takes less energy than producing steel. It is also recyclable.
Recycling HDPE
HDPE is one of the easiest plastics to recycle. It can be recycled up to 10 times without significantly compromising its quality. It is often up cycled into new products including plastic lumber used to make furniture, decking, bike racks, kayak racks, benches and picnic tables, fencing and more. Milk bottles are the most common post-consumer product used in recycled HDPE. Over 115 million plastic milk jugs are recycled each year, and it takes about 8-10 of them to create a pound of recycled HDPE material. At the end of their life, items made from recycled HDPE are also recyclable.
Not only is recycled HDPE considered a green building material, but it has its own benefits as well. It is essentially maintenance free. You’ll never need to stain, paint or seal it. It is exceptionally durable and weather resistant. The lumber is resistant to salt spray, oil, moisture, fading, insects, graffiti, splinting, warping and other environmental hazards common to wood and composite wood.
Kayak, Canoe & SUPs Storage Racks Made from Recycled HDPE
Poly Kayak Rack makes durable, eco-friendly and easy to maintain storage racks for kayaks, canoes and SUPs from recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene). We are family-owned and operated, hand-building these premium-quality poly racks in Wisconsin. Avid kayakers ourselves, each rack is designed for easy use and proper storage so your equipment will last longer, and you’ll be able to get back out on the water faster. Shop our entire collection of Poly Kayak Racks online now or click here to learn more about the different styles available.