Sofia Martinez
Plastic is everywhere, and it's easy to forget how much of it we use in our daily lives. From food packaging to furniture, plastic is used to make a wide variety of products. Some common examples of plastic items include plastic bags, plastic water bottles, plastic straws, plastic cups, plastic wrappers, plastic containers, and plastic pipes. Plastic is also found in many surprising everyday items, such as nail polish, chewing gum, toothpaste, sponges, and cigarettes. While plastic has numerous benefits, its widespread use has led to significant environmental concerns, with plastic pollution and waste becoming a global issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of different types of plastic | 7, with some sources citing 14 or more |
| Examples of plastic types | Polycarbonates, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene, Polyester, Polyethylene, LDPE, HDPE, PEEK, Nylon |
| Common uses | Packaging, buildings, medical devices, laboratory equipment, automotive parts, electronics, clothing, toys, sewage systems |
| Environmental impact | Not all types can be recycled; some produce hazardous materials; some contain harmful additives; microplastics are ingested by marine life |
| Recycling rate | Less than 10% of plastic has been recycled, 14% incinerated, 49% landfilled |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic in the ocean: HDPE, LDPE, PP, and epoxy resins
- Plastic microbeads: tiny plastic pieces found in beauty products
- Polycarbonates: tough, durable, and hard-wearing thermoplastic polymers
- Synthetic polymers: derived from petroleum, used to create plastic variants
- Biodegradable plastics: compostable, depending on their composition, e.g. plant-based
Plastic in the ocean: HDPE, LDPE, PP, and epoxy resins
Plastics are the most common form of marine debris. They enter the water in many ways and impact the ocean and the Great Lakes. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades. Some of the most common plastic items found in the ocean include cigarette butts, food wrappers, beverage bottles, straws, cups, plates, bottle caps, and single-use bags.
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is an incredibly resistant resin used for grocery bags, milk jugs, recycling bins, agricultural pipes, playground equipment, lids, and shampoo bottles, among other items. It is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted at most recycling centres worldwide. HDPE products are most likely to travel long distances in the ocean, as they tend to stay afloat.
LDPE, or Low-Density Polyethylene, is a thinner and more flexible resin with the simplest structure of all plastics, making it easy and cheap to produce. It is commonly used in plastic bags, six-pack rings, various containers, dispensing bottles, and most famously, plastic wraps. LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs.
PP, or Polypropylene, is the second most widely produced commodity plastic. It is a versatile material with applications in packaging, textiles, automotive parts, and more.
Epoxy resins are used extensively in boat construction and repair projects, providing reliable bonding, reinforcement, and protection for lasting durability and performance. They are also applied as a protective coating on ships and their components, providing a durable and corrosion-resistant barrier against the harsh marine environment.
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Plastic microbeads: tiny plastic pieces found in beauty products
Plastic is a versatile material with a wide range of applications, from medical devices to construction. However, its slow decomposition rate and environmental impact have raised concerns, particularly regarding microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm, and they can be found in cosmetic and personal care products.
Plastic microbeads, a type of primary microplastic, have been intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products for their abrasive and exfoliating properties. These microbeads are solid plastic particles manufactured to be smaller than 5mm. They are commonly found in exfoliant products, such as scrubs, and personal care items like toothpaste. In 2012, campaigns against the use of microbeads in everyday products began, and since 2017, many companies have stopped using plastic microbeads in their cosmetics.
The presence of microplastics in cosmetics has received increasing attention since the early 2010s. While most research has focused on "rinse-off" products, "leave-on" products with higher sales volumes and multiple microplastic ingredients have been largely overlooked. Comprehensive regulations and monitoring of all cosmetic microplastics are needed to address this issue effectively.
The contribution of microplastics in non-rinse products to the EU's total microplastics waste is estimated to be only 1%. However, the distinction between polymers and microplastics is crucial. All microplastics are polymers, but not all polymers are microplastics. The potential environmental and health impacts of microplastics are a significant concern, especially their accumulation and persistence in the environment.
Additionally, the additives used in plastics can be problematic. Some additives, such as flame retardants and compounds like cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury, are potentially harmful and banned in many jurisdictions. These additives can be released during combustion or leaching, contributing to environmental and health hazards. For example, bisphenol A (BPA), found in some plastics, is restricted in baby bottles in many parts of the world but still present in products from low-income countries. The breakdown of plastics also leads to secondary microplastics, which are not intentionally added but contribute to plastic pollution.
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Polycarbonates: tough, durable, and hard-wearing thermoplastic polymers
Polycarbonates are tough, durable, and hard-wearing thermoplastic polymers that are widely used in a variety of applications due to their superior strength and impact resistance. With a strength that is 250 times that of glass and 30 times that of acrylic, polycarbonate sheets are also easily worked, moulded, thermo-formed, or cold-formed. This inherent design flexibility allows polycarbonate sheets to be cut or cold-formed on-site without pre-forming or fabrication, making them highly versatile during the manufacturing process.
Polycarbonate plastic is commonly used in products such as DVDs, sunglasses, police riot gear, greenhouses, and more. It is also used in optical devices and for eye protection, such as lenses for sunglasses, sports goggles, and safety goggles. Polycarbonate lenses offer superior impact resistance and are often preferred in situations where eye protection is crucial.
In recent years, the use of polycarbonates has been controversial due to their potential environmental impact. Polycarbonates can leach bisphenol A (BPA) at high temperatures, releasing a compound that is listed as a potential environmental hazard. BPA is persistent in the ground and can eventually find its way into water bodies, contributing to aquatic pollution. Additionally, BPA decomposition in landfills does not occur naturally, further exacerbating its environmental impact.
Despite the controversy, polycarbonates remain in use due to their advantageous properties. They are tough, durable, and possess excellent impact resistance, making them ideal for applications where strength and safety are paramount. Polycarbonates are also transparent, providing clarity in optical devices and eye protection. However, efforts are being made to address the environmental concerns associated with polycarbonates, including the development of recycling programs and the reduction of single-use plastic products.
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Synthetic polymers: derived from petroleum, used to create plastic variants
Synthetic polymers, typically derived from petroleum, are used to create plastic variants. These synthetic polymers are the building blocks of a material, and depending on how they are made, a specific type of plastic can be produced. For example, the plastic variant Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer. PVC is known for its durability, lightness, and ease of processability, and is used in construction, sewage systems, and electrical insulation. However, PVC is difficult to recycle and can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Polyethylene, another plastic variant, is the most common family of plastics in the world. It has a simple chemical structure, making it easy and cheap to produce and process. Polyethylene has varying densities, giving it unique physical properties for different applications. It is used in grocery bags, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, wire and cable covering, and even in spacecraft.
Polypropylene is another commonly produced synthetic plastic. It is durable, flexible, heat-resistant, and chemically resistant. Polypropylene is used in a wide range of applications, including laboratory equipment, automotive parts, medical devices, and food containers.
Polycarbonate is an engineering plastic that is extremely strong, flexible, and impact-resistant. It is also transparent, making it an excellent alternative to glass or acrylic. Polycarbonate is used in products such as sunglasses, DVDs, police riot gear, and greenhouses.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a robust, flexible, and highly processable plastic. It is commonly used in the automotive and refrigeration industries, as well as in protective headgear, luggage, and children's toys.
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Biodegradable plastics: compostable, depending on their composition, e.g. plant-based
Biodegradable plastics are those that can break down completely into natural substances within a reasonable timeframe. Compostable plastics are a subset of biodegradable plastics that can be broken down by microbes under specific conditions of oxygen, temperature, and moisture at an industrial composting facility. They can also be composted at home, depending on the specific item.
Biodegradable and compostable plastics are often made from bio-based sources such as seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants, instead of fossil fuels. However, they may also be made from fossil fuels and can contain the same chemical additives as traditional plastics, the safety of which is not well understood.
The production of biodegradable plastics is increasing, driven by consumer demand for "green" products. However, these plastics are not necessarily more sustainable than traditional plastics. They can contaminate the recycling stream and may have a larger carbon footprint due to the emissions created during the agricultural phase of their production.
The European Commission has adopted a policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics, with the aim of improving understanding and providing guidance to consumers, businesses, and authorities. However, there is currently no standard definition of "bioplastics," and the terms "bio-based," "biodegradable," and "compostable" may be misleading.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is pervasive in our lives, with hundreds of types of plastic being used regularly. Some common plastic items include:
- Beverage bottles
- Plastic bags
- Food packaging
- Containers
- Plastic straws
- Plastic cutlery
- Takeaway containers
- Car tyres
- Clothing
Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with millions of tonnes of plastic ending up in oceans, rivers, and lakes. Some plastic items that contribute to this pollution include:
- Single-use plastic bottles
- Plastic bags
- Plastic straws
- Cigarette butts
- Wet wipes
- Microplastics from car tyres
While recycling is important, not all plastics are easily recyclable. Some plastic items that can be difficult to recycle include:
- Plastic bags
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic straws
- Plastic cutlery
- Aluminium cans with plastic lining
- Plastic glitter
![Freshware Food Storage Containers [50 Set] 16 oz Plastic Deli Containers with Lids, Slime, Soup, Meal Prep Containers | BPA Free | Stackable | Leakproof | Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71XnaWxqwqL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Freezer Storage Containers, [6 Pack-16 Oz] Airtight Plastic Food Storage Containers with Twist Top Lids, Soup, Meal Prep Containers | BPA Free | Stackable | Leakproof | Microwave/Dishwasher Safe](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Ji1Vbb0rL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
