Rotation moulded low density polyethylene (LDPE) surface. The embossed logo is cut into the surface of the mould and so reproduced directly into the part. The texture is created by shot blasting (steel bead) on the surface of the aluminium tool. The texture is adjusted by changing the size of steel bead and air pressure used in the process. The glossiness (and subsequently the colour saturation) is determined by the flaming process, which is carried out on the moulded part. Each one is processed separately by heating the surface with an exposed flame. It is often a manual process and so open to variation.

Cross-section through a rotation moulded sample that illustrates an inner layer of foam, which is used to provide added stiffness without a significant increase in weight. Both materials are polyethylene (PE) and produced in the same moulding cycle: the natural (off-white) skin is moulded and once formed the yellow foaming material is added to the mould. The colour has been added to the foamed PE to highlight the separate materials.

Cross-section through a kiss-off feature on a rotation moulded part. These features are used to tie together the side walls which increases overall rigidity.

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) colour sample for rotation moulding powder by Poliplast.

Rotation moulded high density polyethylene (HDPE) lid for a Thermos cooler box. The heavy texture, which is applied to the surface of the mould and reproduced in the plastic, helps to conceal moulding defects, as well as general wear and tear - PE is relatively soft and will scratch easily if bashed about in the back of a car and on the beach.

Rotation moulded recycled polyethylene (PE) produced from old kayaks. Damaged or degraded kayaks are ground up, mixed, and rotation moulded into new products.

Cross-section through rotation moulded part made up of polyethylene (PE) skin and PE foam, produced in a single step. This monomaterial solution is the result of triggering the foaming reaction at a high temperature, which occurs after the skin material has already begun to form on the surface of the mould.

Cloud storage, by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Cappellini, is made from rotation moulded white polyethylene

Bit stool, by Simon Legald for Normann, in rotation moulded mixed colour recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

eClean bedside cabinet, designed by Kinneir Dufort and manufactured by Hospital Metalcraft (Bristol Maid), is a bedside cabinet made from rotation moulded multi-colour polyethylene (PE), with in-mould label