HDPE Wicker vs. PE Wicker and Natural Rattan
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and PE (polyethylene) wicker are both synthetic resin strands woven over a frame, not natural rattan - the range uses a mix of the two depending on the listing, and either one is inherently more weather-tolerant outdoors than untreated natural rattan, which is a plant fibre.
What "wicker" means on these listings
Wicker describes a weaving method, not a material - almost every listing in the Rattaner range weaves synthetic resin strands over a steel or aluminium frame, generally called either HDPE or PE wicker on their own titles. Both are plastics engineered to look like woven natural fibre; neither is the plant material rattan is actually made from.
HDPE vs. PE, generally
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a denser, generally more rigid plastic than standard PE (polyethylene), and is widely used across the outdoor furniture industry for its greater resistance to UV fading and cracking over years of sun exposure - a general material property, not a claim specific to any one Rattaner listing. Standard PE wicker can still perform well outdoors but, as a general rule across manufacturers, is more commonly seen on lighter-duty or lower-cost pieces. Which of the two a specific Rattaner listing uses is stated in its own title or specifications; this site reports that figure per listing rather than assuming one material across the whole range.
Why neither is natural rattan
Natural rattan is a plant fibre, not a plastic, and is not inherently weather-resistant - left outdoors and exposed to rain and sun without treatment, it degrades in a way synthetic resin wicker does not. None of the seating in the Rattaner range is natural rattan; the word "rattan" appears in a few listing titles as a style descriptor for the woven look, not a material claim, and the actual material stated is HDPE or PE wicker in every case checked here.
What this does and doesn't tell you about durability
Material is one factor in how a piece holds up outdoors, not the only one - frame material, cushion fabric, and how consistently a cover is used all matter too. This guide describes what the materials generally are; specific durability claims and warranty terms are the manufacturer's to make, not this site's.
Questions
Is HDPE wicker better than PE wicker?
Generally more UV- and crack-resistant over time, as a broad material property across the outdoor furniture industry - not a guarantee specific to any one listing, and PE wicker still performs reasonably well outdoors.
Is any Rattaner seating made from real rattan?
Not that this site has found - listings that use the word “rattan” in their title state HDPE or PE wicker as the actual material, and “rattan” describes the woven look, not the material.
Does the frame material differ between listings too?
Yes - several listings specify a steel frame under the wicker; check each product's own specifications table for what is stated on that listing.
Do HDPE and PE wicker need to be covered when not in use?
Not stated as a requirement by the manufacturer, though most sets in the range ship with a furniture cover included - see caring for outdoor cushions and covers.