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Polyethylene

/ˌpɒl.iˈɛθ.əˌliːn/noun
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Polyethylene is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer created by linking ethylene monomers, making it one of the most widely produced plastics due to its flexibility and resistance to chemicals. In everyday applications, it's valued for being lightweight and inexpensive, but its environmental persistence has sparked global efforts toward biodegradable alternatives and recycling programs.

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Polyethylene production exceeds 100 million metric tons annually, equivalent to the weight of over 10 million adult blue whales, making it the most manufactured synthetic material on the planet. Remarkably, it's also used in creating artificial hearts and bulletproof vests, showcasing its role in both everyday items and life-saving technologies.

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