Final answer:
Polyethylene is the most widely used synthetic polymer, utilized in a myriad of products such as plastic bags and bottles, and represents 34% of the total plastics market.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most widely used synthetic polymer is polyethylene. Polyethylene is a versatile plastic used in numerous applications, including plastic bags, bottles, and containers. This polymer is favored for its durability and recyclability, helping to minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste. It is produced in various forms, such as High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), each with distinct properties appropriate for different uses. Despite the wide applications of other polymers like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), polyethylene stands as the most prevalent, accounting for 34% of the plastics market as of 2017.