Is Polyresin Like Plastic?

Is resin plastic?

Products made from resin are very durable and rust-proof, but is resin plastic?  How is resin different from other materials?  While resin is a type of plastic, it's not ordinary plastic like the plastic you find on cheap plastic flower pots.  In contrast, resin products are uniquely durable – read on to find out why.

What is resin?

Resin is more than just a term used to describe a type of plastic.  It is a composite mixture that is rotationally molded into a strong product that is affordable, lightweight and can mimic the look of other materials such as stone or granite.

While resin is a type of plastic, it's not the plastic in most products—the thin plastic used to make bags, for example.  Our resin is also different from the resin plant pots found at your local hardware store.  Inexpensive resin planters are made from high-density polyethylene, which means they are more susceptible to damage.    While regular plastic plant pots can become brittle and crack over time, resin plant pots are more durable than this.

The formulation and manufacturing process we use make our resin superior to other forms of plastic on the market.  That's why we've created a range of products that can withstand harsh weather, abuse, impact damage, graffiti and more.

How our resins are made

Our resin is Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), a synthetic plastic material found in common products such as outdoor trash cans.  Resin is a popular choice because it can withstand years of wear and tear.  Our manufacturing processes include a process called rotational molding, which involves building an object from the outside in. This provides very precise solid edge and corner detail, adding to the strength of each product.

We make the two halves of the mold, then fit them together and fill them with our proprietary resin powder base.  Once the molds are assembled together, they are placed in a special oven that heats the molds and resin powder to between 500 and 700 degrees, with the exact temperature depending on the size and shape of the molds.

High-temperature ovens transform the polyethylene powder base into liquid plastic.  In the process, the two locked halves become one, providing the ultimate 360-degree symmetry our products are known for, along with exceptional balance and long-distance strength.

What is the difference between resin and plastic?

Resin will not crack, warp or break

While cheap plastics are prone to cracking, warping, and breaking, resin is not.  In fact, it can withstand temperatures from -40 to 140+ degrees.  The material is extremely resistant to freeze/thaw cycles that often affect a variety of other materials when temperatures fluctuate between freezing and not freezing.

Resin does not absorb moisture

Our resin products are non-hygroscopic, meaning they will not absorb moisture from the air, thus preventing water damage.

Resin resists stains, including graffiti

The unique formulation of our resin makes it extremely resistant to stains, including graffiti.  Most paint and chips will not bond to the material.  Instead, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser products or a high-pressure cleaner to remove most stains.  Additionally, because our resin is blended with UV-12 inhibitors, it is less susceptible to fading and discoloration due to sunlight.

Resin is lightweight

This is something resin has in common with all types of plastic, it's lightweight.  Resin products are 75% lighter compared to stone and other raw materials.  Therefore, you don’t need heavy equipment to move them, and moving them on site is more cost-effective than heavier materials.

Resin can be used to mimic other materials such as stone and granite
From stone to granite, our resin-based products can look like other heavier and less sustainable materials.  In fact, custom products and colors are available upon request.

Resin is fully customizable

You can choose colors, shapes, styles, and even add your logo or brand name.  We work with cities and companies of all sizes to manufacture a variety of customized products in China.