Chloe Zhang
Plastic and steel are two of the most commonly used materials in the world, with a wide range of applications. Plastic is a versatile and inexpensive material used in various industries, from everyday items to industrial applications. Steel, on the other hand, is known for its strength, durability, and heat resistance, making it a preferred choice for many structural and manufacturing purposes. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, but with growing environmental concerns, it is essential to consider their production, consumption, and impact on the planet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Largest producer of plastic | China |
| Share of China in global plastic production | 32% in 2022; 33% in 2023 |
| Share of North America in global plastic production | 17% in 2022 and 2023 |
| Total worldwide production of plastics in 2023 | 413 million metric tons |
| Global plastic production by 2060 | 1.2 billion metric tons |
| Plastic as a percentage of total packaging waste | 19% |
| Metal as a percentage of total packaging waste | 5% |
| Plastic recycling rate in the UK | 33% |
| Steel recycling rate in Europe | 79.5% |
| Tin and aluminum recycling rate in the EU in 2009 | 72% |
| Time taken for plastic to break down | Over 400 years |
| Time taken for tin and aluminum to break down | 50-200 years |
| Operating temperature range of steel | -101°C to +871°C |
| Operating temperature range of plastic | -51°C to +121°C |
| Tensile strength of plastic vs steel | Lower than steel |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic is more versatile and easier to work with
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials available. Its versatility is such that it is increasingly being used to fabricate parts that would usually be made from metals. Plastic offers a level of flexibility that metals cannot match, delivering a vast array of design options. Creating complex shapes and features is much easier with plastic, as these can be designed to be integral to the mould, keeping manufacturing times and costs to a minimum. Metal parts, on the other hand, often require welding or assembly, whereas plastic can allow separate components to be manufactured as a single piece.
Plastic is also much lighter than metal. A thermoplastic part can be six times lighter than the same part made from steel. This has led to a high rate of metal-to-plastic conversion in the aerospace industry, as lighter-weight planes and vehicles mean greater fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs. Plastic components are therefore easier to work with and cost much less to ship.
Plastic is also safer. Metal parts often have sharp edges that pose an injury risk, so plastic is a safer option. Plastic is also more durable and will generally provide a longer service life than metal. Plastic parts suffer less wear and tear, meaning that repairs and replacements are reduced, saving time and money.
Plastic is also more cost-effective. Plastic manufacturing is, in most cases, far less costly than comparable metal production. Metal prices fluctuate and shortages are common, whereas these issues do not affect plastic availability. Plastic is also recyclable and can be recycled at a much lower cost (both financially and environmentally) than metals.
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Steel is more durable and has a longer life cycle
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials, with many industries replacing their metal parts with plastic. Plastic offers better strength, less weight, more complex designs, lower design costs, and faster production times. It is also more flexible and can be recycled at a much lower cost than metals.
However, steel has its own advantages. It is more durable and has a longer life cycle. Steel is more resistant to wear and tear, which saves time and money on repairs and replacements. Stainless steel is also less absorbent than plastic, making it easier to remove accumulated chemicals. It is also more resistant to fire, with special high-chromium and nickel-alloyed steels retaining their strength even at high temperatures. In contrast, plastics may melt when exposed to flames and release harmful chemicals.
Steel is also more moisture-resistant as it does not absorb water, while certain plastics will absorb small amounts of water, potentially damaging them. Some steel grades do not rust from contact with moisture. Steel is also more cost-effective in the long term, as it is less expensive to manufacture and has a lower total life cycle cost.
In terms of safety, steel is a better option than plastic. Steel does not have sharp edges that pose an injury risk, and it is also more reliable, especially in the case of washing machines, where plastic drums can crack and require expensive repairs or replacements.
Overall, while plastic has its advantages in terms of versatility, complexity of design, and cost, steel is a more durable and long-lasting option that is also safer and more cost-effective in the long term.
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Plastic is generally cheaper to produce
Secondly, the manufacturing processes for plastic, such as injection moulding, are highly efficient and less labour-intensive than metal production. Plastic parts can be processed and delivered quickly, reducing production times and costs. Complex designs can be incorporated into the mould, minimising manufacturing times and costs. On the other hand, metal parts often require additional processes such as welding, grinding, and bending, which increase the cost of production.
Thirdly, plastic is more lightweight than steel, reducing shipping costs. A thermoplastic part can be up to six times lighter than the same part made from steel, making it a more cost-effective choice for industries seeking weight reduction, such as aerospace.
Finally, plastic offers design flexibility that steel cannot match, enabling a vast array of design options. This makes plastic a more versatile and cost-effective choice for certain applications, such as complex shapes and textures that cannot be produced with metal.
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Steel is more heat-resistant
Plastic is increasingly being used to fabricate parts that would usually be made from metal. Plastic offers several advantages over metal, including lower costs, less weight, more complex designs, and faster production times. However, in certain applications, metal may be a more suitable choice due to its unique properties, such as heat resistance.
Steel, a commonly used metal, is known for its heat-resistant properties. Heat resistance is an essential consideration in various projects and applications. Steel is often the metal of choice when heat resistance is required, and it is used in several industries for this very reason. For example, stainless steel is commonly used in high-temperature tasks and exhibits corrosion resistance and high tensile strength even at elevated temperatures.
The heat resistance of steel is attributed to several factors, including its oxidation resistance and stress rupture life. Oxidation is a chemical reaction between oxygen and certain metals, and it can be accelerated by heat, causing damage to the metal over time. Steel with higher oxidation resistance can better withstand this type of degradation. Additionally, steel that can withstand the stresses of thermal cycling, where it is repeatedly heated and cooled, is more suitable for applications requiring heat resistance.
The microstructure and composition of steel also play a role in its heat-resistant properties. Heat-resistant stainless steels, for instance, can be categorized into ferritic, austenitic, and nickel-based alloys, each with unique characteristics. Austenitic and nickel-based alloys, in particular, exhibit better weldability, which is essential in maintaining the structural integrity of steel at high temperatures.
The choice between plastic and steel depends on the specific requirements of the project or application. While plastic offers advantages in terms of cost, weight, and design complexity, steel is preferred when heat resistance is a critical factor. Steel's ability to withstand high temperatures without deformation or damage makes it the ideal material for applications such as foodservice equipment, drinking tanks, and industrial furnaces, where maintaining structural integrity under extreme heat is essential.
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Plastic is more environmentally friendly
While plastic and steel both have negative environmental impacts, plastic appears to be the more environmentally sustainable choice in some cases.
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials on the planet. It is lightweight, flexible, and has a high tensile strength. Plastic parts are also corrosion-resistant, non-conductive, UV-resistant, and have a longer lifespan, often lasting up to six times longer than metal in similar applications. Plastic manufacturing is also far less costly than metal production, and plastic parts can be processed and delivered quickly.
The production process for plastic appears to be more environmentally sustainable than that of aluminum. For instance, 1 kg of polyethylene plastics produces around 4 kg of CO2, while 1 kg of aluminum produces 10.63 kg of CO2.
However, it is important to note that plastic waste is a significant issue, with plastic taking over 400 years to decompose naturally. The recycling of plastic is also challenging due to the variety of plastic types, and the need for different recycling methods. Additionally, some plastics contain carcinogens and can release volatile organic compounds when melted. Steel, on the other hand, is almost 100% recyclable and reusable, and can be reshaped and re-smelted multiple times. Steel recycling rates have been increasing, with Europe reaching a rate of 79.5%.
Overall, while plastic may have certain advantages over steel in terms of cost, production time, and environmental impact during production, steel seems to be a more environmentally friendly choice in the long run due to its recyclability and reusability.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to give an exact answer as production statistics are often placed behind paywalls. However, plastic is used in almost every segment of life and has displaced many traditional materials such as wood, stone, horn, bone, leather, paper, metal, glass, and ceramic. Global plastics use is projected to continue rising over the coming decades and is expected to reach more than 1.2 billion metric tons by 2060.
The total worldwide production of plastics surpassed 413 million metric tons in 2023. China accounted for 33% of this, making it the world's largest plastic producer.
Plastic takes over 400 years to break down. Since the 1950s, humans have produced over 9 billion tons of plastic waste that has entered our oceans, rivers, and natural lands. Some plastics release chemicals in water and on land that can lead to serious health issues like cancer.
Steel has a wider range of operating temperatures, is more corrosion-resistant, is more versatile in its processing, is easier to clean, is stronger, is more durable, is more environmentally friendly, and is nearly 100% recyclable and reusable.
