When it comes to restroom and care products, material selection directly affects durability, safety, and long-term performance. Two commonly used plastics—high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP)—each offer distinct advantages, but not all materials are equally suited for demanding public environments.
What Is Polyethylene?
Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastics in the world, valued for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. It is a thermoplastic polymer commonly used in applications that require durability and easy maintenance.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a specific type of polyethylene engineered to be denser, stronger, and more impact- resistant than other variations—making it especially well-suited for products used in public and high-traffic environments.
The Strength of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) vs Polypropylene
High-density polyethylene offers superior impact resistance compared to injection-molded polypropylene. This allows HDPE components to withstand repeated use and accidental impacts without cracking or breaking while still supporting heavy loads.
HDPE also maintains its structural integrity over time, helping ensure products continue to perform reliably even under demanding conditions—an essential requirement for restroom and care products.
Polypropylene is a lightweight, versatile plastic commonly used in many applications. While effective in less demanding environments, it provides lower impact resistance than HDPE, which can be a limitation for products subject to frequent physical stress or impacts with other objects.
Built-In Hygiene Benefits of Polyethylene and Polypropylene
Both HDPE and polypropylene are naturally resistant to bacterial growth due to their non-porous surfaces. HDPE’s durability, combined with its smooth, easy-to-clean finish makes it particularly well suited for restrooms and care spaces where hygiene and maintenance are critical.
Why Sova Uses HDPE
Sova baby changing tables are made from high-density polyethylene because it delivers the durability, safety, and long-term performance necessary for inclusive public spaces. Choosing HDPE helps ensure our products stand up to real-world use—supporting caregivers, facility teams, and users with solutions built to last.
By prioritizing strength, impact resistance, and hygiene, HDPE plays a key role in creating safer, more dependable restroom environments.
Dave Stitchick
— Senior Vice President of Business Development
With a background spanning mechanical and plastics engineering, Dave has spent his career designing, evaluating, and improving the products behind Sova’s restroom solutions. He has been with Foundations since 2011, holding leadership roles in product development, safety and compliance, quality control, and operations, giving him end-to-end insight into how products are engineered, manufactured, and perform in real-world settings.
