ATEX is an acronym for ATmosphères EXplosibles, which refers to two European Union directives describing the requirements for equipment and protection used in potentially explosive environments. 

In the plastics industry, certain plastic manufacturing processes generate explosive dust.

The ATEX directives, which apply to electrical and mechanical equipment, aim to guarantee worker safety by reducing the risk of explosion in these sensitive environments. They establish strict standards for the design, manufacture and use of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.