The process for producing polyethylene is long but can be easily understood by almost anyone! The general steps to get from oil from the ground to the plastic bags you wrap your sandwiches in are as follows:

• Retrieving Oil from the Ground
  
• Distillation
  
• Separation to Obtain Ethylene
  
• Converting Ethane to Ethylene
  
• Purification of Ethylene
  
• Making Polyethylene from Ethylene
  
• Final Production into Plastic Sheets
  
  
  If you would like to be taken through a complete tour of the production of plastic from oil, click HERE.