There are many, many different varieties of plastic – thousands in fact – but few are quite as versatile and useful as polyethylene. It can be spun into ultra-high molecular weight varieties that are stiffer than steel or into low-density sheeting, which is as soft as wax. Its incredible ductility means it will tend to stretch rather than breaking. Water resistant and durable, heatproof up above water’s boiling point yet recyclable, polyethylene could be strung into strands strong enough to deflect bullets; its non-conductive properties meant it was the perfect electrical insulator.
