High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheets at 500 microns (0.5 mm or 20 mil) thickness serve as robust, impermeable barriers essential for environmental containment, civil engineering, and agricultural projects. These versatile geomembranes, engineered from premium HDPE resin, provide superior chemical resistance, UV stability, and puncture protection, ensuring long-term performance in demanding conditions. In 2025, the global HDPE geomembrane market is valued at approximately $1.39 billion, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% through 2033, driven by surging infrastructure investments and sustainable waste management initiatives worldwide. This authoritative guide from Shandong Geosino New Material Co., Ltd. (Geosincere Geosynthetics), a trusted leader in geosynthetics manufacturing since 2007, examines 500 micron HDPE sheet pricing in depth. Costs typically range from $0.50 to $3.50 per square meter ($0.046–$0.325 per square foot), excluding installation which may add 20-50% to overall expenses, influenced by resin quality, surface finish, and project scale. For contractors, engineers, and procurement specialists tackling landfills, ponds, or mining sites, this analysis delivers data-backed strategies to optimize budgets while maximizing durability and compliance.

1. What Are 500 Micron HDPE Sheets?

500 micron HDPE sheets are high-performance geomembranes fabricated from virgin High-Density Polyethylene resin through advanced extrusion processes, delivering exceptional impermeability and mechanical integrity. With a formulated density of 0.94–0.96 g/cm³, these sheets function as reliable barriers against liquids, gases, and contaminants, outperforming traditional clay or concrete liners by up to 100 times in permeability reduction. Produced in compliance with rigorous standards like GRI-GM13 and ASTM D5199, they incorporate additives such as carbon black for UV stabilization, ensuring resilience in exposed environments. At Geosincere Geosynthetics, our 500 micron HDPE sheets are triple-layer co-extruded in state-of-the-art facilities in Shandong, China, guaranteeing uniformity and a service life exceeding 40-60 years in submerged applications—potentially reducing lifecycle costs by 25-35% compared to inferior alternatives.

Key Properties and Specifications

The efficacy of 500 micron HDPE sheets stems from meticulously engineered properties, tailored to withstand site-specific stresses. Based on 2025 benchmarks from the Geosynthetic Institute and ASTM protocols, core specifications include:

  • Thickness: Precisely 0.5 mm (±5-10%), equivalent to 20 mil, balancing flexibility and strength for moderate-load scenarios. This gauge offers optimal puncture resistance without excessive rigidity.
  • Density: 0.940–0.960 g/cm³ (ASTM D1505), ensuring high crystallinity for enhanced tensile properties and low permeability.
  • Tensile Strength: Minimum 20 kN/m in machine and cross-machine directions (ASTM D6693 Type IV), withstanding dynamic loads up to 300 kPa in embankment applications.
  • Elongation at Break: ≥600% (ASTM D6693), providing ductility to accommodate soil settlement without rupture—critical for seismic zones.
  • Puncture Resistance: ≥400 N (ASTM D4833), 25% superior to thinner variants, protecting against aggregate intrusion in landfill bases.
  • Tear Resistance: ≥250 N (ASTM D1004), mitigating propagation under shear forces.
  • Low-Temperature Brittleness: Passes -70°C impact test (ASTM D746), suitable for cold climates.
  • Oxidative Induction Time (OIT): ≥100 minutes at 200°C (ASTM D3895), confirming antioxidant efficacy for 50+ year durability.
  • Carbon Black Content: 2.0–3.0% (ASTM D4218), bolstering UV resistance to retain 80% strength after 1,600 kJ/m² exposure (ASTM G155).
  • Permeability: <5.0 × 10⁻¹² cm/s (ASTM D543), achieving 99.9% containment efficiency for leachate or hydrocarbons.

These attributes not only affirm compliance with EPA Subtitle D and EU Landfill Directive but also elevate pricing by 15-20% for certified products, underscoring their value in high-stakes deployments.

Common Applications

500 micron HDPE sheets dominate 25-30% of global containment projects in 2025, per MarketsandMarkets data, due to their cost-effective impermeability and ease of installation. Principal uses encompass:

  • Landfill Liners and Caps: Base and cover systems preventing leachate migration; 1.5 mm variants reduce groundwater contamination by 95%, with 500 micron suitable for secondary liners.
  • Pond and Reservoir Liners: Aquaculture and irrigation; black formulations retain 98% water volume, cutting evaporation losses by 40% in arid regions.
  • Mining Heap Leach Pads: Containment of pregnant leach solutions; textured surfaces enhance slope stability up to 30°, minimizing erosion.
  • Wastewater Treatment Lagoons: Primary barriers in aerated lagoons; chemical resistance handles pH 2-13 effluents for 20+ years.
  • Canal and Tunnel Liners: Anti-seepage for irrigation canals; reduces seepage by 90%, supporting sustainable water management in 15% of global projects.
  • Secondary Containment: Fuel storage tanks and chemical bunds; complies with API 650, averting spills in 80% of industrial sites.
  • Construction Dewatering: Temporary barriers for foundation pits; lightweight rolls (50-100 m lengths) deploy 30% faster than concrete.

By integrating with geotextiles, these sheets can slash aggregate needs by 20%, fostering economical, eco-compliant solutions across sectors.

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2. How Much Is The 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price?

In 2025, 500 micron HDPE sheet prices range from $0.50 to $3.50 per square meter, averaging $1.50–$2.50 for standard smooth variants in bulk, according to BPM Geosynthetics and Alibaba supplier aggregates. This variability stems from ethylene monomer fluctuations—up 7-10% amid oil volatility—and customization demands, with installation adding $0.20–$1.00/m² (20-40% of total). For example, a basic 500 micron smooth sheet for pond lining may cost $0.80/m², while a UV-stabilized textured version for mining reaches $2.80/m². Geosincere Geosynthetics offers premium 500 micron sheets starting at $0.60/m² for orders over 10,000 m², including free destructive weld testing to ensure 95% seam strength.

The ensuing analysis, grounded in 2025 Geosynthetic Institute reports and supplier benchmarks, unpacks cost determinants, facilitating 15-30% savings through strategic sourcing.

2.1 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Material Type

While predominantly HDPE, formulations vary with additives, comprising 35-45% of costs due to resin purity. Virgin resin dominates for longevity.

2.1.1 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Virgin HDPE Resin

  • Price: $0.50–$2.50/m², the industry standard for uncontaminated performance.
  • Properties: Density 0.94 g/cm³, tensile 20-30 kN/m (ASTM D6693), OIT >100 min.
  • Applications: Landfills and ponds; 70% market share for primary barriers.
  • Advantages: 50-year lifespan, 20% lower failure rate vs. recycled; fully recyclable.
  • Geosincere Example: Our virgin resin 500 micron sheets at $0.70–$1.80/m², GRI-GM13 certified, utilized in 200+ Chinese reservoirs.

2.1.2 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Recycled HDPE Content

  • Price: $0.40–$1.80/m², 20-30% discount for eco-blends.
  • Properties: Density 0.92-0.94 g/cm³, tensile 15-25 kN/m, reduced OIT (50-80 min).
  • Applications: Temporary liners in agriculture; suitable for low-risk sites.
  • Advantages: 15% carbon footprint reduction, cost savings for non-critical uses.
  • Geosincere Example: Post-consumer recycled blends at $0.50–$1.20/m², supporting green mining pilots with 85% performance retention.

2.1.3 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – UV-Stabilized HDPE

  • Price: $0.70–$2.80/m², premium for exposed installations.
  • Properties: Carbon black 2.5%, retains 75% strength post-1,600 kJ/m² UV (ASTM G155).
  • Applications: Canal covers and rooftop gardens; extends exposure viability.
  • Advantages: 30% longer outdoor life, compliant with ASTM D4355.
  • Geosincere Example: Stabilized 500 micron variants at $0.90–$2.00/m², deployed in 150-hectare solar farm liners.

2.1.4 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Conductive HDPE

  • Price: $1.00–$3.50/m², specialized for leak detection.
  • Properties: Carbon-infused for 300-1,000 ohm-cm resistivity, puncture ≥450 N.
  • Applications: Hazardous waste landfills; enables electrical monitoring.
  • Advantages: 99% leak detection accuracy, meets EPA leak protocols.
  • Geosincere Example: Conductive grades at $1.20–$2.50/m², integral to 50+ U.S.-compliant sites.

Virgin HDPE captures 80% of demand for its reliability-cost balance.

2.2 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Surface Type

Surface configuration affects 15-25% of pricing through manufacturing complexity.

  • Smooth Surface: $0.50–$2.00/m²; low friction for flat deployments, permeability <10⁻¹² cm/s. Geosincere smooth 500 micron: $0.60–$1.50/m², 60% of pond installs.
  • Textured Surface: $0.70–$2.80/m²; 20-30% higher friction angle (28-34°), ideal for slopes >1:3. Our co-extruded textured at $0.80–$2.00/m², reduces slippage by 25% in mining.
  • Conductive Textured: $1.20–$3.50/m²; combines monitoring with grip; niche for regulated landfills.

Smooth types yield 20% savings for horizontal applications.

2.3 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Project Size and Scale

Scale economies lower unit costs by 15-35% for volumes exceeding 20,000 m².

  • Small Projects (<5,000 m²): $1.50–$3.50/m², factoring setup and minimum orders.
  • Medium (5,000-50,000 m²): $1.00–$2.50/m², with 10-15% discounts.
  • Large (>50,000 m²): $0.50–$1.80/m²; Geosincere provides 25% rebates for mega-projects.

A 100,000 m² canal lining might total $150,000 at $1.50/m² average, versus $250,000 for piecemeal procurement.

2.4 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Installation Method and Labor

Installation accounts for 25-45% of budgets, varying by technique and terrain.

  • Extrusion Welding: $0.20–$0.60/m²; hot-air fusion for HDPE seams, achieving 91% strength (ASTM D6392).
  • Hot Wedge Welding: $0.30–$0.80/m²; automated for slopes, 95% integrity with overlap testing.
  • Mechanical Fastening: $0.15–$0.50/m²; anchors for temporary setups, labor $20-45/hour.
  • Site Preparation Add-Ons: Geotextile underlay $0.10–$0.30/m²; rocky terrains inflate by 20%.

Geosincere’s certified installers minimize defects, saving 15% on rework.

2.5 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Raw Material Quality

Quality grades influence 20-40% of costs, with virgin outperforming blends.

  • Virgin Resin: $0.70–$2.50/m²; ≥0.94 g/cm³ density, <1% defects.
  • Post-Industrial Recycled: $0.50–$1.80/m²; viable for non-hazardous, but 10-15% shorter life.
  • Additives Premium: UV/anti-oxidant boosts $0.20–$0.50/m² for extended OIT.

Our ASTM D5199-compliant virgin sheets avert $5,000–$20,000 in failure liabilities.

2.6 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Transportation and Logistics

Logistics append $0.05–$0.40/m², tied to roll dimensions (4-8 m wide, 50-150 m long).

  • Domestic (China): $0.03–$0.10/m² via rail/road.
  • International (to US/EU): $0.20–$0.50/m², FOB Qingdao; container optimization cuts 10%.
  • Custom Sizing: Pre-cut panels add 5-10%, but reduce field seams by 15%.

Geosincere’s Asia hub trims 20% off Western imports.

2.7 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price – Maintenance and Lifetime Costs

Upkeep is nominal: $200–$800/year for inspections versus $10,000+ repairs. At 40-60 years, ROI hits 40-50%, with non-destructive testing ($0.05/m²) extending viability.

3. How to Choose the Right 500 Micron HDPE Sheet

Navigating selections demands aligning specs with demands to sidestep 20-40% overruns from mismatches. This protocol streamlines decisions.

3.1 Assess Project Requirements

Map hydrology, loads, and exposures. Pond liners? Smooth virgin at $0.80–$1.50/m² with <10⁻¹² cm/s permeability. Mining pads? Textured ≥25 kN/m tensile ($1.20–$2.50/m²).

3.2 Prioritize Quality and Certifications

Demand GRI-GM13 and ASTM D6693; Geosincere’s third-party verified sheets boast <0.5% variability. Bypass uncertified imports risking 18% failures.

3.3 Evaluate Installation Needs

Gauge access: Slopes demand textured (+20% cost) and welding crews ($0.40/m²). Our prefab panels accelerate by 25%.

3.4 Consider Long-Term Costs

Lifecycle modeling: 500 micron virgin saves 30% over 30 years via 95% containment. Factor OIT >100 min for antioxidants.

3.5 Compare Suppliers and Request Quotes

Vet 3-5 sources; Geosincere delivers 24-hour quotes, samples, and 15% bulk incentives.

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4. Industry Trends Affecting 500 Micron HDPE Sheet Price in 2025

Market forces are reshaping pricing, with a $1.39 billion valuation and 8.5% CAGR signaling robust demand.

  • Resin Volatility: Ethylene up 8-12% from OPEC dynamics, stabilizing bases at $0.60–$2.00/m² via hedging.
  • Sustainability Mandates: Recycled content surges 25%, $0.40–$1.50/m², aligning with EU Green Deal and 20% circular economy goals.
  • Advanced Formulations: HP-HDPE (GRI-GM42) adds 10-20% ($0.80–$3.00/m²) for extreme temps, cutting failures 30%.
  • Infrastructure Boom: $2.5 trillion global spends depress units 10-15% via scale; Asia-Pacific leads at 9.6% CAGR.
  • Regional Pricing Gaps: Asia ($0.50–$2.00/m²) undercuts North America ($0.80–$3.50/m²) by 25-30%, favoring exports.

Geosincere spearheads recycled innovations, navigating these shifts adeptly.

5. Conclusion

500 micron HDPE sheet prices in 2025, spanning $0.50–$3.50 per square meter, are modulated by resin type (virgin $0.50–$2.50/m²), surface (textured +20%), and scale, with installation and logistics inflating 20-50%. Embracing certified virgin formulations from Geosincere Geosynthetics assures 40-60 year resilience, curbing total costs by 25-40% amid an 8.5% CAGR market. For customized quotes on smooth, textured, or conductive 500 micron HDPE sheets—tailored for landfills, ponds, or mining—contact Shandong Geosino New Material Co., Ltd.(GEOSINCERE) today. Our specialists offer complimentary audits and samples to refine your specifications.