Here are the main benefits of polyethylene (PE) packaging compared with other common packaging materials (glass, metal, paper/cardboard, and other plastics):

1. Low cost

• PE is one of the cheapest commercial polymers, so packaging made from LDPE/HDPE/LLDPE is typically lower cost than glass, metal, and many specialty plastics.

2. Light weight

• Very low density → large reductions in shipping weight and transport cost versus glass or metal.

3. Excellent moisture barrier

• PE provides a strong barrier to liquid water and high resistance to water vapor relative to paper; useful for keeping products dry.

4. Chemical and corrosion resistance

• PE resists many acids, bases and most common chemicals better than paper and some metals, making it good for chemical containers, liners and protective films.

5. Flexibility and toughness

• PE grades (LDPE, LLDPE) are highly flexible and puncture-resistant for films, bags and stretch wrap. HDPE offers tougher rigid options (bottles, crates).

6. Good sealability and formability

• Easy to heat-seal and thermoform into films, pouches, bottles and liners—supports efficient high-speed packaging lines.

7. Impact resistance and durability

• PE resists breakage better than glass and is more dent-resistant than thin metals—suitable for returnable/durable packaging.

8. Transparency and printability (select grades)

• Some PE films are translucent/clear; surfaces accept inks and coatings for branding and regulatory information.

9. Hygienic and food-safe options

• Many PE grades are approved for food contact and are used extensively for food packaging, pouches, and liners.

10. Lightweight energy and production advantages

• On a per-package basis PE often requires less energy to produce and transport than glass or metal alternatives (depends on life-cycle assumptions).

11. Versatility of formats

• Available as film, sheet, blow-molded bottles, injection-molded containers, liners, and coatings — a single polymer family covers many applications.

12. Recyclability (with caveats)

• Common PE grades (HDPE, LDPE) are widely collected and recyclable (codes 2 and 4). Mechanical recycling streams exist in many regions, and PE can be chemically recycled in developing facilities. Note: recycling effectiveness depends on local infrastructure and contamination.

Quick comparisons

• Versus glass: PE is lighter, unbreakable, cheaper to ship and better insulating; glass is chemically inert, impermeable to gases and perceived as more premium.
• Versus metal: PE won’t corrode, is lighter and cheaper for many uses; metals offer superior barrier to oxygen, higher heat resistance and recyclability in many systems.
• Versus paper/cardboard: PE provides much better moisture protection and durability; paper is more renewable and easier to compost/recycle in some systems.
• Versus other plastics: PE often has better cost/flexibility/chemical resistance; other polymers (PET, EVOH, PA) may offer superior clarity, stiffness or oxygen barrier.

Limitations to keep in mind

• Poor oxygen barrier compared with PET, metal or glass — often requires multilayer structures for oxygen-sensitive products.
• Lower high-temperature resistance than some engineering plastics and metals.
• Not biodegradable; environmental concerns remain if collection/recycling is inadequate.
• Some grades are less printable or scuff-resistant without coatings.

Practical guidance

• Choose LDPE/LLDPE films for flexible pouches, bags and stretch wrap where toughness and sealability matter.
• Use HDPE for rigid bottles, jerrycans and crates where stiffness and durability are required.
• For oxygen-sensitive goods, consider PE as part of a multilayer film (e.g., with EVOH or PET) to get combined benefits.

If you want, I can: (a) summarize pros/cons for a specific product (food, chemical, pharmaceutical), (b) compare lifecycle impacts vs. a specific alternative, or (c) recommend PE grade and structure for a given application.