The discovery of polyethylene, which is often used to make various things and craftsWe owe it to German engineers. The invention, published in 1899, was widely used in the food industry only in the 50s of the twentieth century.
The main properties of this material that can be successfully used in the manufacture of crafts do it yourselfare: the ability to soften under the influence of high temperature (80-110C), and to solidify when cooled; resistance to mechanical stress (elasticity), electrical conductivity., plasticity and flexibility. The most important disadvantage of polyethylene is its long term of complete decomposition in the earth - more than a thousand years, which is fraught with colossal pollution of the planet. Therefore, you do not need to throw away plastic bags and various products from this material - it is better to craft interesting and original crafts from it.
Polyethylene is used in a wide variety of industries: from food (packaging, containers, etc.) to communication (pipes, cases, etc.). The first industrial plant for the production of this material was built in England in 1935.
It is estimated that the world's population consumes more than a trillion plastic bags per year, most of which are not disposed of appropriately. In Tanzania, there is even a punishment for importing, producing and selling packages of this material - $ 2000 or a year in prison.