Ethylene Products & Uses

As the most widely used organic compound in the world, it's not surprising that ethylene has many uses.

Here are just a few reasons ethylene is important in our everyday lives:

• Polyethylene production - polyethylene is the world's most widely used plastic. It is recyclable and can be reused to make other products. It is also at the forefront of environmental research as we learn more about how to make it more biodegradable.
• PVC - polyvinyl chloride comes in two basic forms, rigid and flexible. The rigid form is used in construction for pipe and door and window profiles. It is also used for bottles, non-food packaging and credit cards. The flexible form is used in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, signage and inflatable products.
• MEG - is an ethylene derivative used in the production of polyester resins, films and fibers, and for making water-based adhesives, paper, antifreeze, coolant, aircraft de-icers and solvents. End uses for MEG-derived products include clothing, textiles, packaging, kitchenware, upholstery, carpets and drink and food containers.
• Surfactants production - these represent a host of chemical compounds that are used as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents and dispersants.
• Other uses - ethylene is also used to ripen fruit, as a welding gas, and has many more everyday applications.