Due to its non-polar structure, HD-PE has unusually high resistance to chemicals and other media. It is resistant to acids, alkalis, salt solutions, alcohols and petrol. In principle, the chemical resistance of partially crystalline thermoplastics increases with increasing temperature. It is not resistant to strong oxidizing agents, such as nitric acid, ozone, sulphuric acid vapour, hydrogen peroxide and halogens.
It diffuses aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, certain types of oils, fats and waxes in small quantities,. The diffusion is very small up to 30 °C. PE combusts by flame impingement and no harmful substances incompatible with the environment are created when burnt. The SN 73 0862 standard puts PE in the C3 class - easily flammable.