Whether you’re a baby boomer or a Gen Xer, everyone knows what a Hula-Hoop, even if you never took on the challenge of keeping this simple polyethylene extrusion balanced on your hips. But imagine that because of this accidental invention of polyethylene (well polymer) it spawned a host of products, from polyethylene tubes used for automotives to well, the aforementioned toy developed by Wham-O. Interesting side note: in six months this flexible new poly tubing produced the sale of 20 million polyethylene tubes that were sold for a measly $1.98! And these polyethylene tubes are still produced today. As a matter of fact, these colorful polyethylene plastic tubes, better known as Hula-Hoops have developed a following that has sustained itself for 50 years.
Now one can surmise that the relatively popularity of the Hula-Hoop was based purely on its novelty but it could also be assumed that it was desirable because of the inherent durability of poly tubing. While this trip down the polyethylene tubing memory lane may not suit your specific industry it is a testament to the fact that polyethylene plastic tubing because of its high level of inertness is virtually indestructible. It can withstand conditions that are suited to a variety of applications, particularly where it is critical that it perform reliably despite certain conditions, such as extreme high/low temperatures, stresses that cause cracks, and can undergo repeated flexing with marginal impact.
But on a less playful note of course polyethylene tubing is perfect for use in laboratories, hospitals, food and beverage industries, particularly in industries that must meet certain FDA standards and where permeable tubing is undesirable.
Manufactured as both semi-rigid and flexible polyethylene tubes are a cultural icon that will endure as long as the Hula-Hoop itself.