Plastic Resin Price Guide: Compare Costs and Properties

If you're developing a product that includes plastic parts, one of the most important decisions you'll make early on is selecting the right resin. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution because each type of plastic has its own unique mix of properties, processing requirements, and costs. Some are flexible, others are rigid. Some can handle heat, while others are better for impact resistance or chemical exposure.

And then there’s price.

Whether you're designing a consumer product, industrial component, or medical device, understanding plastic resin price alongside performance is essential to building a cost-effective and reliable product. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most commonly used plastic resins, like ABS, PP, Nylon, and PC, and compare their costs, characteristics, and typical use cases to help you choose the best material for your project.

Breakdown of The Most Common Plastic Resin Prices

Each plastic resin comes with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and cost considerations. For consistency, the plastic resin prices listed are based on typical rates from Asian suppliers, since this is what I am used to. That said, prices can vary significantly by region, depending on factors like local supply chains, tariffs, raw material access, and regulatory requirements. If you’re manufacturing in North America or Europe, it’s a good idea to cross-check regional pricing or work with a sourcing partner who understands your market.

Let’s explore each resin and where it fits best.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Price and Properties

Typical Price (Asia): ~$2.00kg

ABS is a widely used thermoplastic known for its balance of strength, toughness, and ease of processing. It combines the rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber, making it ideal for parts that need to withstand physical impact while maintaining dimensional stability. ABS also has a good surface finish and can be easily painted or plated, which makes it a favorite for aesthetic components.

Key Properties:

• Medium strength and rigidity

• Excellent impact resistance

• Good dimensional stability

• Moderate chemical resistance

• Easy to mold and finish

Common Applications:

• Consumer electronics housings (remotes, routers, VR headsets)

• Automotive interior trims and dashboards

• Toys (e.g., LEGO bricks)

• Appliance parts and light-duty enclosures

• Prototypes for injection molding

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) Price and Properties

LDPE Typical Price (Asia): ~$1.30/kg

LDPE is a flexible and low-strength plastic best known for its softness and chemical resistance. Its low melting point and ease of processing make it suitable for thin-wall products and packaging. While it lacks rigidity, it excels in barrier applications and pliability.

Key Properties:

• High flexibility and softness

• Strong resistance to acids and bases

• Low tensile strength and stiffness

• Poor UV resistance unless stabilized

Common Applications:

• Plastic bags and films

• Squeeze bottles and tube packaging

• Liners and food-safe applications

• Wire insulation

• Low-load containers

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Price and Properties

HDPE Typical Price (Asia): ~$1.45/kg

HDPE offers a higher strength-to-density ratio compared to LDPE, making it more suitable for load-bearing and structural applications. It is resistant to many chemicals and moisture, and has excellent weatherability for outdoor use. HDPE is one of the most cost-effective and versatile plastics used in high volumes.

Key Properties:

• Strong and rigid

• Moisture and chemical resistant

• Lightweight

• Excellent weather resistance

• Low cost

Common Applications:

• Pipes and fittings

• Crates, containers, and drums

• Bottle caps and closures

• Outdoor furniture and playground equipment

• Agricultural parts

Nylon (PA66) Price and Properties

Nylon Typical Price (Asia): ~$2.70/kg

Nylon is a strong and durable plastic commonly used for mechanical parts. It offers good abrasion resistance, toughness, and heat resistance, especially in glass-filled grades. Nylon does absorb moisture, which can affect dimensional stability, but this also gives it a degree of self-lubrication in moving parts.

Key Properties:

• High mechanical strength

• Good wear and friction performance

• Tough and impact resistant

• Resistant to oils, fuels, and chemicals

• Sensitive to moisture

Common Applications:

• Gears and bushings

• Automotive engine components

• Industrial machinery parts

• Textile fibers and carpets

• Power tool housings

PP (Polypropylene) Price and Properties

PP Typical Price (Asia): ~$1.10/kg

PP is a lightweight, fatigue-resistant plastic widely used in everything from packaging to automotive parts. It has excellent chemical resistance, making it ideal for contact with acids and solvents. It also maintains flexibility under repeated stress (e.g., living hinges).

Key Properties:

• Low density (lightweight)

• High fatigue resistance

• Chemically inert

• Moderate temperature resistance

• Good moldability

Common Applications:

• Hinged caps and closures

• Storage containers and bins

• Automotive interior components

• Household goods

• Medical disposables

PC (Polycarbonate) Price and Properties

PC Typical Price (Asia): ~$3.00/kg

PC is a strong, transparent resin known for its impact resistance and optical clarity. It’s more expensive than commodity plastics but offers excellent toughness, even at low temperatures. It is often used in safety-critical applications where transparency and strength are required.

Key Properties:

• High impact strength

• Transparent and optically clear

• Dimensional stability

• Flame retardant grades available

• Sensitive to UV and scratching

Common Applications:

• Safety glasses and face shields

• Optical lenses

• Electronic display panels

• Medical device housings

• LED light covers

POM (Polyoxymethylene) Price and Properties

POM Typical Price (Asia): ~$2.40/kg

POM, often called Acetal, is a resin with excellent dimensional stability, low friction, and high mechanical strength. It is often chosen for precision parts where tolerances and performance are critical.

Key Properties:

• Hard and rigid

• Low friction and self-lubricating

• Excellent creep and fatigue resistance

• Good chemical resistance

• Easy to machine and mold

Common Applications:

• Gears, cams, and linkages

• Automotive locking mechanisms

• Pumps and plumbing valves

• Zippers, fasteners, and clips

• Conveyor components

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Price and Properties

TPU Typical Price (Asia): ~$3.50/kg

TPU is a flexible, rubber-like plastic that blends elasticity with toughness. It has good abrasion resistance, stretchability, and weather performance. It can be formulated to be soft or rigid depending on application needs.

Key Properties:

• Elastic and stretchable

• Abrasion and impact resistant

• Resistant to oils and fuels

• Available in soft and rigid grades

• Good clarity for translucent parts

Common Applications:

• Cable insulation

• Phone cases

• Medical tubing and seals

• Footwear midsoles

• Wearables and flexible parts

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Price and Properties

PET Typical Price (Asia): ~$1.50/kg

PET is best known as the material used in water bottles and food packaging. It offers good strength and clarity, along with excellent moisture and gas barrier properties. In fiber form, it is known as polyester.

Key Properties:

• Good strength and stiffness

• Excellent clarity and gloss

• Moisture and gas barrier

• Recyclable

• FDA-approved grades available

Common Applications:

• Beverage and food containers

• Films and blister packs

• Textile fibers and clothing

• Cosmetic packaging

• Microwaveable containers

PS (Polystyrene) Price and Properties

PS Typical Price (Asia): ~$1.10/kg

PS is a brittle but easy-to-process plastic used in many low-cost applications. It has good clarity and is commonly used in disposable items.

Key Properties:

• Rigid and brittle

• Clear and easy to mold

• Poor chemical and UV resistance

• Low thermal resistance

• Inexpensive

Common Applications:

• Disposable utensils and food trays

• CD/DVD cases

• Cosmetic containers

• Packaging foam (EPS)

• Point-of-sale displays

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) Price and Properties

PEEK Typical Price (Asia): ~$50.00/kg

PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic with exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance. It is used in highly demanding environments where failure is not an option, such as aerospace, oil & gas, and medical implants. Its high price makes it suitable only for precision or mission-critical parts.

Key Properties:

• Extremely high strength and stiffness

• Outstanding chemical resistance

• Withstands continuous use at 250°C+

• Very low outgassing and excellent wear resistance

• Biocompatible grades available

Common Applications:

• Aerospace fasteners and seals

• Automotive engine components

• Medical implants (e.g., spinal cages)

• Semiconductor parts

• High-performance electrical insulators

Conclusion

Selecting the right plastic resin is one of the most important decisions in product development. It affects everything from the performance and aesthetics of your part to the total cost of production. While it’s tempting to start with price, the smarter approach is to first define your technical needs and then narrow your options based on materials that meet those requirements. Once you’ve identified resins that fit, the plastic resin price becomes the next key factor. 

At EPower Corp, we work closely with brands to guide material selection, validate designs through early prototypes, and support your project from DFM to mass production. If you’re unsure which resin is right for your part or how to keep costs under control while meeting performance targets, our team is here to help.

Let’s make sure your product is designed with the right material from the start.