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Concept

Polyethylene

A molecular structure resembling a chain of interconnected spheres forms the core of the image, with the word "Polyethylene" prominently displayed in the center against a dark teal background.

The most common plastic on Earth: a chain of carbon atoms, each carrying two hydrogens, repeated thousands of times. First synthesised by accident in 1933 at ICI's Winnington laboratory in Cheshire. Used initially as insulation for radar cables during the Second World War, where its lightness and dielectric properties were militarily decisive. Today it makes up roughly a third of all plastic produced, including most shopping bags, milk bottles, and pipes.

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