Polypropylene sheeting is a non-woven plastic polymer fabric used in a wide variety of packaging, promotional, and protective applications. The lightweight and durable polypropylene material is used to make extruded and heat-molded plastic items. Pressing the polymer into thin sheets creates an effective and inexpensive shield against most liquids and chemicals. Many disposable diaper companies use polypropylene sheeting to form a final barrier against moisture leakage. Sheeting made of polypropylene can often be recycled into new plastic materials.
The strength and durability of polypropylene sheeting makes it an ideal material for packaging. A sealed package made from polypropylene typically protects the quality of its contents from the factory to the consumer. Large sheets of the thermoplastic polymer are heat sealed into bags and tube packages. Starting with polypropylene sheeting allows the package manufacturer to customize the package size and shape for each client. Clear, colored, or printed sheeting can be used to accent the contents of the sealed package.
Cut polypropylene sheeting sections are often sandwiched together with a corrugated support panel in the middle to increase their rigidity. Thicker corrugated polypropylene sheeting is widely used to create low-cost promotional signage. Graphics and text are typically printed directly onto the plastic surface on one or both sides of the sign. Signs made from polypropylene sheets are capable of withstanding extreme heat and cold conditions in the harshest environments.
Some painters' drop cloths are made from or coated with polypropylene sheeting. A drop cloth is a sheet used to protect valuable surfaces while applying paint to a nearby surface. Coated drop cloth varieties often have cotton or another woven fabric at their core for added strength. Drop cloths made only from propylene are usually clear or opaque and less expensive than cloth varieties. All types of polypropylene drop cloths are designed to be folded up for reuse on another project once the splattered paint dries.
Mattress stains and damage can be completely prevented once the polystyrene sheeting is covering all the exposed sides. Waterproof polypropylene sheeting is broadly used to protect mattresses from sleepers with bladder control issues. After an accident, the sheets and blankets can be removed for washing and replaced after the plastic sheeting gets a disinfecting wipe down. Protective plastic sheets may have elastic strips attached all around or at the corners to hold the polystyrene cover onto the bed. Sharp, pointed objects like pencils and pens poke through polypropylene sheets with very little force.