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abbeyextrusions.com
      • Our Hose, Tubes, Cords & Pelmets
      • Technical
      • Product Guides
      • Bespoke Quote
      • Pricing Calculator
      • Contact us
    • UK Manufacturing of Hose, Tube & Pelmet Since 1985 - Now Celebrating over 40 years in business!
    • Call us on: 01530 416 177
  • Extrusion News & Technical Guides
  • What is Unreinforced Polyethene Tubing, and what are the Benefits of using it?
  • What is Unreinforced Polyethene Tubing, and what are the Benefits of using it?

    Unreinforced polythene tubing is ideal for low-pressure applications. As a result, these low-density polythene tubes are chiefly used in the pneumatic machinery, the brewing and food industries. It is fully compliant with REACH, RoHS, and BSI ISO quality standards for the conveyance of consumable products...
    6 April 2026 by
    Bryan Cowan

    Unreinforced polythene tubing is ideal for low-pressure and light- to heavy-duty applications. As a result, this low-density polythene tube is chiefly used in pneumatic machinery and the brewing and food industries.

    They can be supplied in predefined lengths or custom sizes as required.

    It is fully compliant with REACH, RoHS, and BSI ISO quality standards for conveying consumable products.


    What are the benefits of using a polythene tube?


    The main benefits of Polythene tubing are that it:

    • Is highly flexible
    • Is lightweight
    • Is durable
    • Ideal as polythene lay flat tubing
    • Allows for a customisable tube solution
    • Is suitable for food and drink distribution
    • Is suitable for low-pressure applications
    • No plasticisers (additives that alter the plasticity or the viscosity of a material) are used
    • Doesn’t leave an odour
    • Doesn’t transfer a taste
    • Complies with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and BSI ISO compliant. 9001 compliant

    What is a polythene tube used for?

    These tubes are ideal for low-pressure applications in pneumatic machinery and the brewing and food industries.


    Pneumatic industry usage

    They are ideal for the pneumatic industry because their properties enable the manufacturing of high-quality, flexible, low-density tubing, making them a popular choice for transporting and conveying air and liquid.


    Brewing and Food industry usage

    They are ideal for the brewing and food industries due to their REACH, RoHS, and BSI/ISO compliance. As polythene tubing doesn’t rely on plasticisers for flexibility, the risk of chemicals leaching into food & drink products is reduced, making it a safe and fully approved tubing for food conveyance.


    Length & Colour information

    Our standard coil length is 30 metres; however, if you require alternative lengths, we offer customised solutions, and our sales team will be happy to discuss your options. All tube sizes are also available in the following colours:

    • Black
    • Natural / Clear
    • Blue
    • Red
    • Yellow
    • Green

    Working pressures

    Working pressures are based on the short-term burst pressure calculated at 20°C, applied with a 4:1 safety factor. They can be used at temperatures up to 55°C; however, please note that the tube will become less flexible at lower temperatures.


    Not sure if this is the right hose of tubing for you?

    If you are still unsure whether this is the right product for your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or call us for a friendly chat with our expert sales team. You can find out more about tubing at this Wikipedia page.

    Bryan Cowan

    Article by

    Bryan Cowan

    Bryan Cowan is the Founder and Managing Director of Abbey Extrusions Ltd, a leading UK manufacturer of high-quality plastic tubes and hoses. With over 40 years of industry experience, Bryan established the company in 1985, growing it from a startup into a BS ISO9001-registered supplier for global sectors including aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.

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    Company Information

    Abbey Extrusions Ltd
    Unit 2, Ivanhoe Industrial Estate, Tournament Way, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England, LE65 2UU

    Registered in England, company number: 1909175


    Call us on: 01530 416 177

    Abbey Extrusions
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