Plastic In Consumer Products: A Hidden Danger?

Plastic is a synthetic, organic polymer made from fossil fuels, such as gas and petroleum. It is used in almost all consumer and industrial activities, from construction and vehicles to electronics and agriculture. Plastic goods carry large, global negative externalities. A single plastic product can take a few hundred years to fully decompose, and as it does so, it releases millions of minuscule microplastics that gradually enter the natural and human environment. The world is producing twice as much plastic waste as two decades ago, with the bulk of it ending up in landfills, incinerated, or leaking into the environment. Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, and the recycling of some specific types of plastic containers is more significant. For example, the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, and the rate for HDPE natural bottles was 29.3%. The US plays a critical role in the global economy of plastic products, consuming 18% of global plastic products in 2019, with plastic use per capita higher than in any other country.

Plastic in durable goods: appliances, furniture, electronics

Plastic is a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW). Manufacturers use plastics in durable goods, such as appliances, furniture, and electronics. Plastic has become a cost-effective and user-friendly material for manufacturing. It is often lighter than metals, making devices easier to transport and install. Plastic is also durable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion and temperature.

Plastic is used in the casings of appliances, including vacuum cleaners, mixers, blenders, juicers, and hairdryers. Polycarbonate, a type of plastic known for its strength and high resistance to breakage, is commonly used in appliances that need to endure both cold and heat, such as coffee makers, electric kettles, and blender jars. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is another commonly used plastic in appliances. When recycled, HDPE is used to create new containers, packaging, and furniture.

In terms of furniture, plastic has been used historically to cover and protect furniture from dirt and stains, particularly in households with children. While the use of plastic furniture covers has declined, plastic remains a material used to manufacture new furniture.

Plastics are also commonly used in electronics enclosures due to their ability to resist heat, impact, and chemicals. A blend of PS and PPO, for example, is used for electronics that need sturdy and resistant housings, like relays or transformers. PC + ABS, a mix of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), is another common plastic for electronic enclosures as it can be easily coloured or tinted and is heat and impact resistant. SEBS, a type of plastic that is smooth to the touch and highly resistant to chemicals and heat, is often used for handheld electronic cases.

Plastic in packaging: bags, sacks, bottles, jars

Plastic resins are commonly used in packaging products such as bags, sacks, bottles, jars, and containers. In 2018, the containers and packaging category had the highest plastic tonnage at over 14.5 million tons, including bags, sacks, PET bottles and jars, and HDPE bottles.

Plastic bags and sacks are often made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and can include recycled material. Some companies offer plastic bags that are 100% recyclable and free from heavy metals and toxic inks.

Plastic bottles and jars are widely available and can be purchased wholesale or in bulk. They come in various shapes, sizes, colours, and styles, and can be customised to suit specific needs, such as child-resistant caps or specific closures like lids, caps, sprayers, pumps, and droppers. The recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, while HDPE bottles had a slightly higher recycling rate of 29.3%.

Clear plastic bags are commonly used in retail and food packaging, providing superior clarity to showcase products and impress clients. They come in various styles, including gusset bags, hanging bags, eco-bags, and custom-printed options.

Plastic waste management: recycling, incineration, landfill

Plastic waste management is a critical issue, as plastic pollution is growing relentlessly. The world generated 353 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2019, a number that has more than doubled since 2000. The COVID-19 crisis led to a 2.2% decrease in plastics use in 2020, but as economic activity resumed in 2021, plastic consumption rebounded. The US plays a critical role in this, consuming 18% of global plastic products in 2019, with the highest per capita consumption globally.

Plastic waste can enter the environment during the production, consumption, and disposal phases of the product lifecycle, though it is most common at the end of its useful life. Sources of plastic pollution include resin pellet leaks, mismanaged waste, litter, abrasion, industrial and marine activities, and catastrophic events. Plastic waste can be managed through recycling, incineration, or landfill.

Recycling of municipal solid waste (MSW) has been offered as an alternative to traditional waste disposal methods like landfilling. However, the recycling rate of plastics is relatively small, with only 9% of plastic waste recycled globally. The recycling rate of some specific types of plastic containers is more significant, such as PET bottles and jars, which had a 29.1% recycling rate in 2018. Recycling systems also often only accept certain types of plastics, meaning some products may not be recyclable in those systems. While global production of plastics from recycled materials has quadrupled from 2000 to 2019, it still only accounts for 6% of total plastic production.

Incineration is another method of plastic waste management and is widely applied in energy recycling for plastics. However, the energy recovery from plastic recycling is often accomplished through waste-to-energy conversion, which may have undesirable results.

Landfilling is the most common method of plastic waste management, with 50% of plastic waste being landfilled globally. However, this is a waste of valuable resources and causes problems such as additives leaching and land occupation. Additionally, in countries with lower energy and labour costs, imported plastic waste often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, leading to air, soil, and water pollution.

Plastic pollution sources: production, consumption, disposal

Plastic is a versatile material used in various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging. However, plastic waste has become an environmental pollutant, with severe consequences for the environment and public health. Plastic pollution can be traced back to three main sources: production, consumption, and disposal.

Production

The global production of plastics has sharply increased over the last 70 years. In 1950, the world produced just two million tons, but now it produces over 450 million tons annually. The primary source of plastic resins is virgin fossil fuel feedstocks, made from crude oil or natural gas. The US plays a critical role in the global economy of plastic products, consuming 18% of global plastic products in 2019, with the highest per capita consumption globally.

Consumption

Plastic consumption has quadrupled over the past 30 years, driven by growth in emerging markets. Bans and taxes on single-use plastics exist in over 120 countries, but these measures are not significantly reducing overall pollution as they often target items like plastic bags, which make up a tiny share of plastic waste. The COVID-19 crisis led to a 2.2% decrease in plastics use in 2020, but as economic activity resumed in 2021, plastic consumption rebounded, driven by a rise in littering and plastic medical equipment such as masks.

Disposal

Plastic waste management is a critical issue. While the amount of recycled plastics is increasing, it still only accounts for a small portion of total waste. In 2018, the recycling rate for plastic containers was 8.7% globally, with PET bottles and jars at 29.1% and HDPE natural bottles at 29.3%. The bulk of plastic waste ends up in landfills, is incinerated, or leaks into the environment. Between 1 and 2 million tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, with an estimated 30 million tons of plastic waste currently in seas and oceans.

Plastic reduction: innovation, sustainability, consumer behaviour

Plastic is a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW). While plastics are found across all major MSW categories, the containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage, at over 14.5 million tons in 2018 in the US. This category includes bags, sacks, wraps, bottles, jars, and other containers. Plastic resins are also used in a variety of consumer products, such as beverage bottles, milk and water bottles, and other plastic containers.

The recycling of plastics is a challenge, with only 8.7% of plastics recycled in 2018. However, the recycling rate of some specific types of plastic containers is more significant, with PET bottles and jars at 29.1% and HDPE natural bottles at 29.3%. To reduce plastic waste, improve recycling, and create a circular economy, several strategies and innovations are being proposed and implemented.

Innovation and Sustainability

The US Department of Energy's Strategy for Plastics Innovation (SPI) aims to accelerate innovations that will significantly reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. This includes developing new recycling technologies, such as chemical recycling and urban mining, and improving existing recycling processes to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The SPI has set objectives and metrics to ensure cost-effectiveness and emphasize GHG emissions reduction, energy efficiency, carbon efficiency, and material retention.

Consumer Behaviour

Consumer awareness and behaviour play a crucial role in plastic waste management. Consumers need to understand the problems caused by plastic and their power to contribute to plastic pollution reduction. They are responsible for correctly disposing of and reintroducing plastic waste into the recycling cycle. Proper waste management, consumer education, and engagement are essential to preventing environmental issues caused by plastic waste.

Policy and Federal Actions

To effectively reduce plastic waste, federal policies and congressional actions are necessary. Establishing standards, such as requiring a minimum percentage of recycled plastic in packaging, can drive demand for recycled materials and encourage new recycling initiatives. Additionally, updating regulatory systems and creating funding mechanisms can support the development and implementation of advanced recycling technologies. Congressional action can also help achieve the ambitious goal of reusing, recycling, or recovering 100% of plastic packaging by 2040.

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