The main raw material for polyethylene (PE) in foreign production is polypropylene (PP), while domestic production mainly uses polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic resin obtained by polymerizing ethylene. Industrially, it also includes copolymers of ethylene with small amounts of α-olefins. Polyethylene is odorless, non-toxic, and has a waxy feel. It possesses excellent low-temperature resistance (minimum operating temperature can reach -70 to -100℃), good chemical stability, and resistance to most acids and alkalis (except oxidizing acids). It is insoluble in common solvents at room temperature, has low water absorption, and excellent electrical insulation properties. However, polyethylene is very sensitive to environmental stress (chemical and mechanical effects) and has poor heat aging resistance.

The properties of polyethylene vary depending on the variety, primarily determined by its molecular structure and density. Different production methods yield products with different densities (0.91–0.96 g/cm³). Polyethylene can be processed using general thermoplastic molding methods (see Plastics Processing). Its applications are very wide, mainly used to manufacture films, containers, pipes, monofilaments, wires and cables, daily necessities, etc., and it can also be used as a high-frequency insulating material for televisions, radar, etc. With the development of the petrochemical industry, polyethylene production has grown rapidly, accounting for about one-quarter of total plastic production. In 1983, the world's total polyethylene production capacity was 24.65 million tons, with an additional 3.16 million tons under construction.