Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylenes (PE) are the simplest synthetic polymers and the cheapest to produce. They are polymers of ethylene (see definition). Low-density polyethylenes (LDPE) are used to make plastic bags, garbage bags, food-grade plastic wrap and flexible containers. High-density polyethylenes (HDPE) are used in more rigid plastics of the kind found in bottles and other containers. Cross-linked polyethylenes (XLPE) are used to make cable insulation.