Chloe Zhang
Plastic is often thought of as an affordable material, but its true cost is far more complex. While the price of plastic can vary depending on its grade, with Grade A film costing 16.94 cents per pound and Grade C film costing just 0.5 cents per pound, the hidden costs of plastic are far more significant. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics pose a serious threat to public health, with an estimated cost of $250 billion in increased healthcare costs in the US in 2018 alone. In addition, the environmental impact of plastic production and disposal is immense, contributing to ecosystem damage and economic instability. As a result, the true cost of plastic is far higher than its initial price tag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount produced each year | 350-460 million tonnes |
| Amount produced between 1950s and 2017 | 9.2 billion tonnes |
| Amount still in use from the above figure | A little more than one quarter |
| Amount recycled from the above figure | 600 million tonnes |
| Amount of plastic waste each year | 300 million tonnes |
| Amount of plastic packaging waste produced by the average European each year | 34.5 kg |
| Amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean each year | 1-1.7 million tonnes |
| Amount of plastic dumped into the ocean each year | 10 million tonnes |
What You'll Learn
The cost of scrap plastic
Curbside plastic bale prices have been on a steady upward trend for several months, with prices for PET, natural HDPE, colour HDPE, and PP increasing by 6%, 10%, 45%, and 51%, respectively, over the past month.
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The cost of Grade B film
The cost of plastic is often considered low, at around €1/kg, but this masks significant health and environmental risks. The hidden costs of plastic extend far beyond its production cost, impacting public health, ecosystems, and the global economy.
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The cost of Grade C film
Grade C film is a type of plastic that is currently priced at 0.5 cents per pound. This is a low price compared to other types of plastic, such as Grade A film, which is priced at 16.94 cents per pound, and Grade B film, which is priced at 7.94 cents per pound. Grade C film's price has remained stable, while prices for other types of plastic have risen notably in recent months. Polypropylene (PP), for example, has risen by 51% in the last month and is now trading at 8.13 cents per pound.
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The cost of corrugated containers
Plastic is a seemingly inexpensive material, costing around €1/kg. However, the hidden costs of plastic extend far beyond its production cost, encompassing environmental, health, and economic impacts. For instance, research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics pose a serious threat to public health and cost the U.S. an estimated $250 billion in increased healthcare costs in 2018.
The Southeast U.S. experienced a sharp price increase in 1999, with some areas reporting costs of around $150 per ton, more than triple the previous year's price. This region is home to several of the largest new containerboard mills, which have attracted over $7 billion in sector investments since 2019. The expansion of mills and the intensification of competition have contributed to increased costs and strategic shifts in sourcing.
When considering corrugated box costs, it's essential to balance packaging needs, quality requirements, and budget constraints. Working with a knowledgeable packaging supplier can help optimize packaging solutions for cost-effectiveness.
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The hidden costs of plastic
Plastic may seem affordable on the surface, but it comes with hidden costs that are often overlooked. The seemingly low cost of plastic, such as €1/kg, masks significant health risks and environmental damages. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics pose a serious threat to public health, with an estimated cost of $250 billion in increased healthcare costs in the US in 2018 alone.
The impact of plastic on public health, ecosystems, and the global economy is far-reaching. For example, the cost of healthcare due to EDCs in plastics is just one aspect of the economic impact. Sustainable alternatives are crucial for our future, and the true cost of plastic must be considered beyond its production cost.
The price of scrap plastic has been rising, with Grade B film increasing from 6.94 cents to 7.94 cents in a month, and Grade A film at a national average of 16.94 cents per pound. Polypropylene (PP) has also seen a dramatic rise, now trading at 8.13 cents per pound compared to 5.38 cents the previous month.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of plastic varies depending on its grade. Grade A film is 16.94 cents per pound, Grade B film is 7.94 cents per pound, and Grade C film is 0.5 cents per pound.
The environmental cost of plastic is significant. The production of plastic has a detrimental impact on ecosystems and the global economy.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics pose a serious threat to public health and cost the U.S. an estimated $250 billion in increased healthcare costs in 2018.
