PE is the abbreviation for the thermoplastic material polyethylene. Polyethylene belongs to the polyolefin group. PE is one of the most commonly used plastics worldwide. It is produced from the monomer ethylene (C₂H₄) through polymerisation. PE is used in many ways in the packaging sector – primarily for film packaging, pouches, bottles, closures or as a coating (e.g. on paper/cardboard).