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Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high pressure process via free radical polymerization. It's manufacture employs the same method today. The LDPE can be recycled via the normal plastic recylcing process. Despite competition from more modern polymers, LDPE continues to be an important plastic grade.