LDPE_Low-density polyethylene

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high pressure process via free radical polymerization. Its manufacture employs the same method today. LDPE is commonly recycled and has the number "4" as its recycling symbol. Despite competition from more modern polymers, LDPE continues to be an important plastic grade. In 2009 the worldwide LDPE market reached a volume of 22.2 billion US-Dollars (15.9 billion Euro).