Polyethylene (PE) is an exceptional material. Not only is it used to make a wide range of commodity products, including plastic bags and drink cartons, it is used as a ballistic material by the US and UK military. It is suited to these applications because it has exceptional resistance to punching and tearing. Its properties are partly determined by its molecular weight.

In 1970s DSM developed Dyneema, which is classified as an ultra high density PE (UHDPE). As a drawn fibre or sheet it is up to 40% stronger than DuPont Kevlar and 15 times stronger than steel. As a result of its superior resistance to impact, laminated sheets up to 25 mm (1 in.) thick provide the protective lining for armoured military vehicles. Other high performance applications include parachute strings, ropes and bullet proof vests.

Image: PE milk cartons