Maya Ellison
Smartphones contain on average 9.53 grams of plastic, which is mainly used for the casing. Plastic is a popular material for smartphone casings due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. While plastic is not as scratch-resistant as glass, it is less likely to shatter when dropped. Additionally, plastic is fully recyclable and reusable, making it a more sustainable choice. However, plastic is not as premium-looking or feeling as glass, which is why some smartphone manufacturers have moved towards using glass for their devices. Despite this, the use of molded plastic components in smartphones is expected to grow in the coming years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average amount of plastic in a smartphone | 9.53 grams |
| Where is plastic used in a smartphone? | Smartphone casing |
| Type of plastic used in smartphones | Polycarbonate |
| Pros of using plastic in smartphones | Recyclable and reusable, cheaper, more durable, scratch-resistant |
| Cons of using plastic in smartphones | Prone to discolouration, warping, and scratching |
| Global demand for plastics processing machinery | Expected to rise 6% annually through 2015 |
| Demand for molded plastics components in smartphones | Expected to grow by 27% in the next four years |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of plastic phone casings
Smartphones contain, on average, 9.53 grams of plastic, which is mainly used for the casing. Plastic phone casings have both advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed below.
Pros of Plastic Phone Casings
Plastic phone casings are inexpensive, come in a variety of colours, and provide excellent grip. They are also extremely hard-wearing, especially the TPU and PC variants. Plastic phone casings are also fully recyclable and reusable, making them a more sustainable choice compared to other materials. The recycling process of polycarbonate involves sorting, shredding, washing, and turning the material into granules that can be reused. Furthermore, plastic phone casings are lightweight and thin, so they don't add much bulk to the phone. They are also less complicated to manufacture, which helps keep production costs down. Plastic phone casings are also more durable than glass casings, as they can withstand more abuse before breaking.
Cons of Plastic Phone Casings
Plastic phone casings are not as scratch-resistant as glass, and they are susceptible to breakdown and discolouration from UV light. They may also not provide as much shock absorption as rubber cases, and the slick surface of plastic cases can make them slippery and harder to grip. Poorly made plastic cases may also shatter on impact if the phone is dropped. Additionally, when burned, plastic releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Overall, while plastic phone casings have some advantages in terms of cost, durability, and recyclability, there are also environmental and functional concerns to consider when choosing a phone casing material.
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Plastic screens vs glass screens
Smartphones contain on average 9.53 grams of plastic, which is mostly used for the casing. Plastic is not as scratch-resistant as glass, so a plastic screen is more likely to get scratched. However, a plastic screen is more drop-resistant than a glass one, as it can withstand more abuse before it breaks. If you drop a glass phone on a hard surface, the chances of it shattering are very high.
Plastic phone screens have their advantages—they are cheaper than glass and don't crack as easily. Glass screens, on the other hand, are easier to clean and are touch-resistant. They also offer more "drop protection" because they are thicker.
Some people prefer glass screens because they believe they provide better protection against scratches and can dissipate shocks. However, others argue that a glass screen protector is more likely to shatter during a fall, which could still result in a broken screen.
It's worth noting that the choice between plastic and glass screens may not always be clear-cut, and there are other factors to consider, such as the specific model of the phone and its design. Additionally, the use of plastic or glass in a phone's construction can impact its structural integrity, signal transmission capabilities, and environmental impact.
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Plastic phones' environmental impact
Smartphones contain on average 9.53 grams of plastic, which is mainly used for the casing. While polycarbonate is fully recyclable and reusable, making it a sustainable choice, plastic phone cases have a significant environmental impact. Plastic phone cases are often discarded after a short period of use, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste. They take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and can release harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, during this process. These chemicals can affect human health and be absorbed through the skin, leading to issues such as cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental disorders.
The manufacturing process of a smartphone accounts for about 85% of its carbon footprint, with emissions from metal extraction, shipping, and production. Silicone and plastic comprise about half of the materials used in a smartphone. The mass production of smartphones has exacerbated environmental issues, including deforestation and water pollution. Over 41 million tonnes of e-waste are produced annually, yet less than 16% is recycled according to a UN report. This waste releases toxic chemicals that endanger the environment and local communities, particularly in the Global South where dumping grounds are located.
The lifecycle of plastic phone cases contributes to pollution and resource depletion. The extraction of raw materials such as oil and natural gas consumes energy and contributes to climate change. The manufacturing process often involves harmful chemicals, and transportation to retailers further increases the carbon footprint. While some eco-brands like Fairphone aim for minimal environmental impact by using 100% recycled plastic back covers, the overall trend of refurbished smartphones offers hope for a more sustainable future.
The popularity of fashionable plastic cases has increased the demand for multiple purchases per customer, exacerbating the environmental impact. With over one billion plastic phone cases sold annually and China alone having over 3,000 factories dedicated to their production, the impact of plastic phone cases is undeniable. While new EU regulations have banned single-use plastic, the non-recyclability of blended plastic phone cases remains a challenge. Addressing the environmental and health concerns associated with plastic phone cases is crucial for protecting the planet and human health.
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Recyclability of phone plastics
Smartphones contain on average 9.53 grams of plastic, which is predominantly used for the casing. Polycarbonate, the type of plastic used in smartphone casings, is fully recyclable and reusable, making it a sustainable choice of material. The recycling process involves sorting, shredding, washing, and turning the plastic into granules to be reused.
However, the recyclability of phone plastics is a complex issue. While polycarbonate casings can be recycled, other plastic components within smartphones, such as internal parts, do not naturally biodegrade. These plastic components can remain in landfills for decades, contributing to environmental pollution. Additionally, the presence of hazardous substances and potentially toxic elements in some plastic components further complicates their recyclability. Studies have been conducted to assess the recyclability potential of these plastic fractions according to European Union regulations, specifically the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) directives.
The recycling process for mobile phones often focuses on printed circuit boards, which contain valuable metals, while the plastic components are sometimes overlooked and destined for thermal recovery. This highlights the importance of responsible recycling to ensure that the plastic in phones can be reused.
Furthermore, the market for fashionable plastic phone cases has increased the demand for customers to purchase multiple cases, exacerbating the environmental impact. The blending of different plastic types in phone cases makes them particularly challenging to recycle, and they often end up in landfills or are burned, contributing to microplastics pollution.
To promote sustainability, it is essential to reduce plastic usage, recycle or reuse old phones, and prioritize recycled materials over virgin plastics whenever possible. While there are challenges associated with the recyclability of phone plastics, proper disposal and the use of sustainable materials can help mitigate their environmental impact.
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Plastic phones' durability
Smartphones contain on average 9.53 grams of plastic, which is mainly used for the casing. Plastic phones are pretty tough to shatter, scratch, or dent, compared to metal and glass phones. The slight flexibility of plastic makes it a better shock absorber if you drop it, so it’s more resistant to cracks and dents. This makes plastic phones durable.
Plastic phones are also lightweight. The Pixel 3a, for example, is one of the lightest smartphones available, and its weightlessness is due to its plastic composition.
Plastic phones are also more affordable than their metal and glass counterparts. Polycarbonate, a type of plastic used in phones, is significantly cheaper than metal and glass. This makes it a more cost-effective option for manufacturing smartphones.
While plastic phones are durable and lightweight, they may not always be perceived as aesthetically pleasing. Some people associate plastic phones with being cheap and ugly. However, this perception can be influenced by design choices, such as texturing and colour. For instance, the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact, a plastic phone, has a satin finish and smart colour design, giving it a futuristic look.
Additionally, plastic phones are more resistant to fingerprints and smudges compared to glass-backed phones. They are also less likely to shatter upon impact, making them a practical choice for those who want to avoid screen repairs.
In summary, plastic phones offer durability, lightweight designs, affordability, and resistance to marks and shattering. While the perception of aesthetics may vary, thoughtful design choices can enhance the appeal of plastic phones.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, phones do contain plastic. On average, a smartphone contains 9.53 grams of plastic, which is mainly used for the casing.
Plastic is used in phones because it is a durable and cost-effective material. It is also fully recyclable and reusable, making it a more sustainable choice compared to other options.
Plastic is a lightweight and impact-resistant material, making it ideal for protecting the internal components of a phone. It is also easier to work with during the manufacturing process, helping to keep production costs down.
One drawback of using plastic in phones is that it is more susceptible to scratches and discolouration compared to other materials such as glass or metal. Plastic can also warp with heat and is not as premium-feeling as other materials.
Yes, glass and metal are commonly used as alternatives to plastic in phone construction. While glass and metal may offer a more premium look and feel, they are generally more expensive and can be more fragile than plastic. Additionally, new biodegradable and self-healing plastics are being developed as alternatives to traditional plastics.
