Low-density polyethylene, is the most common type of protective film. It is made from polyethylene, which is the most common type of plastic. As you might guess from the name, there is also a high-density version of polyethylene (HDPE), which is heavier, less flexible, and less elastic—and therefore, not as useful for making protective film. LDPE film comes in a variety of types, which allows it to be used for many different applications.

Short for co-extruded low-density polyethylene. Co-extrusion means that two or more layers of plastic are created simultaneously and formed together into a single sheet of film. For example, one common co-ex combines a layer of black plastic with a top layer of white plastic. This allows you to take advantage of the different characteristics of each layer, such as combining UV reflection (white) with UV absorption (black) to provide better overall UV protection.

Polypropylene, is a type of plastic useful for high-heat applications. It is dimensionally stable, which means it holds its shape and size and does not stretch like PVC films.

Polyolefin, is a plastic film used on some painted metal surfaces and acrylic glass applications.