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PE (polyethylene) is the most commonly used plastic in the world. Annual production exceeds 90 million tons. It was developed in 1933. This invention proved essential to the development of modern plastic materials, which have since become indispensable. From a chemical point of view, polyethylene’s structure is very simple; therefore, it can be produced in a relatively easy and inexpensive way. According to its density, polyethylene is classified into two major types: low-density (LDPE) and high-density (HDPE), while a third type is known as linear low-density PE (LLDPE).
Both primary types of PE are easily processed by certain technologies, and products of various shapes and sizes are made from them. In general, polyethylene has excellent strength, high toughness and ductility. Products may be transparent or coloured with pigments. The most common PE processing methods are extrusion (2D products) and injection-moulding (3D products).
The best-known polyethylene applications include:
- Flexible packages – o bags for fresh and frozen foodstuffs, shopping bags, extensible foils.
- Solid packages – bottles for detergents and cosmetics, canisters, barrels, large containers.
- Consumer items – minor kitchen ware.
- Tubes and pipes
Polyethylene may be recycled. It is widely present in communal waste, so efforts are made to sort (yellow container for sorted waste) and reuse it.

Non-woven textiles are plane or mesh formations formed by chemical, thermal or mechanical processes; they are not created by knitting or weaving.
Non-woven textiles are usually made from polypropylene (PP). Non-woven PP textiles comprise thin fibres, several centimetres long, connected mutually by thermal reaction or adhesives.
Non-woven textiles are designed for various applications:
- Sanitary items – nappies for babies, incontinence pants.
- Health care – disposable sheets for surgical/medical operations.
- Automotive industry – thermal and noise barriers, filling materiál.
- Technical applications – geotextiles, filtration.
- Agriculture – anti-weed textiles, for mulching, etc.
Fatra uses non-woven textiles in its waterproof Fatrafol 807 membrane, and in the production of steam-permeable laminates, such as membranes and surgical wear components.

SONTEK® BREATHABLE FILMS AND LAMINATES

Our breathable films Fatra Sontek® F and breathable laminates Fatra Sontek® L are suitable for application in the manufacture of disposable sanitary products – nappies for babies, sanitary towels, incontinence pads/pants, supplies for the chronically ill, or other medical uses. Our MEDICAL non-breathable laminates are applicable for producing disposable health care products including disposable surgical masks (surgical drapes), surgical sets and pads/mattresses for patients. Our MEDICAL breathable laminates are suitable for manufacturing patient pads/mattresses (for protecting the bed) and other applications.