At Koala Playground, we’re not just building play spaces—we’re building safe, long-lasting childhood memories.
As a manufacturer specializing in indoor and outdoor playground solutions, we understand the critical role materials play in ensuring the safety, longevity, and fun of every slide, tunnel, bridge, and climber. Plastic might look playful, but its technical characteristics are anything but basic.
In this article, I’d like to walk you through the specific types of plastics we use in our playground equipment, why we choose them, and what benefits they bring to both our clients and end users—families and children around the world.
Why We Use Plastic in Playground Equipment
From community parks to indoor play cafés, modern playgrounds are expected to be:
- Safe
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Visually appealing
- Low maintenance
Plastic-based materials help us meet all these requirements—when the right types are selected.
Unlike wood, which can splinter, rot, or warp, or metal, which can corrode or overheat in the sun, high-performance plastics offer the perfect combination of impact resistance, UV protection, water resistance, and color customization.
What Qualities Do We Look for in Playground Plastics?
Here’s what we prioritize when choosing plastics for our Koala Playground equipment:
| Property | Importance |
|---|---|
| UV Resistance | Prevents discoloration, brittleness, and degradation under sunlight |
| Weather Resistance | Withstands rain, heat, snow, and freezing temperatures |
| Impact Strength | Minimizes injury risks and resists vandalism or rough usage |
| Moldability & Fabrication Ease | Allows for unique shapes, curves, safety edges, and assembly efficiency |
| Chemical & Fire Resistance | Adds an extra layer of safety, especially for indoor play centers |
| Color Retention & Customization | Ensures long-term aesthetics and branding flexibility |
| Lightweight | Easier transportation, installation, and load calculation in structures |
Key Plastic Materials We Use at Koala Playground
1. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
At Koala Playground, HDPE is our most commonly used plastic—and for good reason. It’s strong, UV-stable, resistant to mold and mildew, and incredibly versatile.
Applications:
- Slides
- Wall panels
- Guardrails
- Interactive game boards
- Outdoor signage
Why we use it:
- Excellent fall protection compared to wood
- Easily shaped into creative structures with smooth edges
- Available in bright, fade-resistant colors
- Non-toxic, BPA-free, and safe for children
- Maintains performance in hot, cold, dry, or humid climates
We often choose Polytone® HDPE for color-intensive features like curved slides and climbing panels. Its two-tone capability and moisture-resistance make it a premium choice for both indoor and outdoor builds.
2. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is another cornerstone of our plastic lineup. It offers a unique mix of impact strength and thermal formability, ideal for structural and supportive components.
Applications:
- Tube tunnels
- Climbing posts
- Equipment shells and enclosures
Why we use it:
- Strong yet flexible—perfect for curved or load-bearing parts
- Withstands UV exposure and outdoor conditions
- Excellent for molding complex geometries at high precision
- Cost-effective for medium-to-large-scale production
Unlike cheaper plastics that crack or fade, ABS gives us a sturdy foundation for long-term safety and performance.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC offers exceptional resistance to moisture, salt, and chemicals, making it our go-to for water-related or wet zone installations.
Applications:
- Water play structures
- Splash pad components
- Playground decking
- Pipe systems for indoor modular connections
Why we use it:
- Affordable, yet long-lasting
- Supports non-slip textures
- Thermoformable for curves and joints
- Compatible with recycled plastic applications
We also use rigid PVC as part of our structural surfacing in indoor playgrounds, where anti-slip and hygiene matter most.
4. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)
For applications that require extreme wear resistance, such as moving parts or sliding zones, we use UHMW.
Applications:
- Slide liners
- Skate ramps
- Wear strips on high-friction zones
Why we use it:
- Superior durability under heavy load
- Low friction and smooth surface
- Excellent for winter zones and ski-themed indoor parks
- Tougher than HDPE in demanding environments
5. Polycarbonate (PC) – LEXAN™
When transparency and impact resistance are critical, polycarbonate gives us the solution.
Applications:
- Clear safety panels
- Observation windows
- Decorative covers and domes
Why we use it:
- Nearly unbreakable, yet lightweight
- Transparent, UV-stable, and safe for interactive viewing areas
- Used for safety shielding in active zones
We also use PC in modular playground themes where visibility inside play structures enhances parent-child interaction.
6. Acrylic (PMMA)
Though less used than HDPE or ABS, acrylic plays a role in design-focused zones like game walls or sensory panels.
Applications:
- LED light covers
- Game windows
- Thematic visual zones
Why we use it:
- High optical clarity
- Scratch resistance
- Vibrant visual effects for interior features
We sometimes layer acrylic with PVC or PC to balance flexibility and cost-efficiency.
7. Polyurethane (PU)
PU helps us introduce comfort into our playgrounds—used where softness meets strength.
Applications:
- Indoor climbing grips
- Impact zones
- Gymnastic mats
- Seals or buffers for moving components
Why we use it:
- High load-bearing capacity
- Resistant to water, oil, and wear
- Softer than most rigid plastics
- Durable under continuous impact
Colorful, Creative, and Safe: Customization Matters
One of the reasons we love plastics at Koala Playground is the freedom of design. Our clients often want:
- Nature-themed jungle gyms
- Under-the-sea motifs
- City adventure zones
- Educational play areas
With high-performance plastics like HDPE and ABS, we can create vibrant, themed environments with lasting colors. Many of our materials are available in:
- Dual-color sandwich panels (ideal for engraving)
- Matte or glossy finishes
- Textured or anti-slip surfaces
Playground Plastic Testing & Safety Standards
Every material we use is subject to strict quality control and must meet or exceed international standards:
- EN 1176/1177 (Europe): Playground safety standards
- ASTM F1487 (USA): Impact attenuation & structural safety
- ISO 8124: Safety of toys and playground components
- RoHS & REACH compliance: Free from restricted substances
Koala Playground’s commitment to safety means every batch of plastic we use—whether it’s cut into a slide or thermoformed into a climbing panel—is tested for:
- UV stability
- Impact strength
- Fire retardancy (where applicable)
- Non-toxicity and heavy metal compliance
Typical Playground Applications at Koala Playground
Here’s a look at how we apply these plastics across our product line:
| Playground Feature | Plastic Material Used |
|---|---|
| Slides & Ramps | HDPE, UHMW |
| Tunnels & Tubes | ABS, HDPE |
| Guardrails & Fences | HDPE, PVC |
| Climbing Panels & Grips | PU, ABS |
| Water Play Equipment | PVC, HDPE |
| Viewing Panels & Domes | PC (LEXAN), Acrylic |
| Themed Panels & Game Boards | HDPE (Polytone), ABS |
| Interior Mats & Soft Zones | PU |
| Signage & Branding Elements | HDPE, Acrylic |
Why Koala Playground Trusts Performance Plastics
We’re a global indoor playground equipment manufacturer—and every play structure we build is a commitment to fun, safety, and longevity.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
By choosing advanced plastics like HDPE, ABS, and UHMW-PE, we ensure:
- Lower long-term maintenance costs for operators
- Safer and more comfortable experiences for children
- Higher design flexibility for customized play concepts
If you’re interested in partnering with us or customizing your own play space using high-quality plastic components, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help turn your ideas into reality—with the safest materials available.
💬 Ready to Talk Playground Materials?
From concept sketches to final production, Koala Playground offers full-cycle OEM/ODM services with a commitment to safety and creativity. Contact us today for:
- Material recommendations
- Custom color options
- Themed structure designs
- Compliance and safety testing support
Because we don’t just build playgrounds—we build trust, one material at a time.
