Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2018, the containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage at over 14.5 million tons. This category includes bags, sacks, wraps, bottles, jars, and other containers. The most common plastic sold is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used for food and drink packaging. Other widely sold plastics include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP). These plastics are used in a variety of applications, including packaging, construction, and plumbing. While plastic has brought many benefits to humanity, it has also become a significant environmental concern due to its slow decomposition rate and contribution to pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most sold plastic | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) |
| Reason for being the most sold | Widespread utility, used for food and drink packaging, strong ability to prevent oxygen from getting in and spoiling the product inside |
| Other names | Group number one plastic, the first of the seven different types of plastic |
| Technical name | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Other characteristics | Resistant resin, stronger and thicker than PET, relatively hard and resistant to impact, can be subjected to temperatures of up to 120 °C without being affected |
| Other uses | Grocery bags, milk jugs, recycling bins, agricultural pipes, playground equipment, lids, shampoo bottles, etc. |
| Recycling | The most widely recycled plastic in the world, the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018 |
| Second most sold plastic | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Market forecast | Expected to grow in the following years |
| Characteristics | Hard and sturdy, can withstand high temperatures, very resistant to fatigue |
| Uses | Tupperware, car parts, thermal vests, yoghurt containers, disposable diapers, living hinges |
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What You'll Learn
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most recycled plastic
Plastic is derived from the Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikos), meaning "capable of being shaped or moulded". The world's first fully synthetic plastic was Bakelite, invented in New York in 1907. Since then, plastic has become a ubiquitous material in our lives, with applications ranging from medical devices to construction materials. However, it has also become a major source of environmental concern due to its slow decomposition rate in natural ecosystems.
One of the most commonly used plastics is Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is a clear, durable, and versatile plastic that is widely used in product packaging, particularly for beverages. It is also used in durable goods such as appliances, furniture, and casings for lead-acid batteries. PET is unique because it is the most widely recycled plastic. In the United States, the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, higher than that of other plastics like HDPE.
The ability to recycle PET is important for reducing our environmental footprint. Using recycled PET (rPET) instead of new plastic reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It can be used to make new bottles as well as other products like winter jackets, rugs, playground equipment, and dog beds. Leading beverage companies are working to increase the collection of PET bottles so they can be remade into new bottles, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, lakes, and rivers.
There have also been recent advances in the biodegradation of PET waste, including microbial degradation and enzymatic degradation. Microorganisms and enzymes can be used for the biorecycling of waste PET, further reducing our reliance on new plastic production. Overall, the recyclability of PET makes it a more sustainable choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in construction
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most important thermoplastics globally, second only to polyethylene in terms of production and consumption. It is widely used in the construction industry due to its versatility, durability, and strength.
PVC is a synthetic resin made through the polymerization of vinyl chloride. It can be modified by adding plasticizers to increase its flexibility or by chlorination to enhance its chlorine content, resulting in chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). CPVC exhibits high durability, chemical stability, and flame retardancy.
In construction, PVC is commonly used for pipes, conduits, siding, window frames, and door frames. It is valued for its rigidity, strength, and flame resistance. PVC pipes are prevalent in plumbing due to their strong resistance to chemicals, sunlight, and oxidation from water. Additionally, PVC has largely replaced cast iron for plumbing and drainage, including waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters, and downspouts.
PVC is also used as a substitute for painted wood in window frames and sills, especially when installing insulated glazing in new buildings or replacing older single-glazed windows. It is favoured in these applications because it does not decompose and is weather-resistant. Furthermore, PVC is available in a range of colours and finishes, including a photo-effect wood finish, allowing for design versatility.
Beyond construction, PVC is used in an array of domestic and industrial products, including packaging films, raincoats, shower curtains, indoor plumbing, and medical applications. Its versatility and durability have made it a popular material in the building and construction industries, contributing to its widespread use.
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Polyethylene (PE) is used for packaging and plumbing
Polyethylene (PE) is the most commonly produced and used plastic globally. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging and plumbing. As of 2017, over 100 million tons of polyethylene resins were being produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market.
Polyethylene is used in a variety of packaging applications, including plastic bags, films, geomembranes, containers, bottles, cups, jars, and more. Its low cost and good flexibility make it a popular choice for packaging. It is also used in the packaging of pharmaceutical products, food, and beverages.
In plumbing, polyethylene is used for water pipes and hoses due to its plasticity and low water absorption. It can be used for both hot and cold potable water service applications. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) has become popular for potable water, but it requires special fittings and is not recyclable.
Polyethylene is also used in various other applications, including consumer goods, agriculture, and medical and healthcare products. It is a versatile material that can be engineered according to specific requirements, making it a popular choice across industries.
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Polypropylene (PP) is the second-most produced plastic
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene and denoted by PP, is a thermoplastic polymer that is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene. It is the second-most widely produced commodity plastic, after polyethylene. It was first demonstrated by Phillips Petroleum chemists J. Paul Hogan and Robert Banks in 1951, and its large-scale commercial production began in 1957 by the Italian firm Montecatini.
Polypropylene is similar to polyethylene in terms of solution behaviour and electrical properties. However, polypropylene's methyl group enhances its mechanical properties and thermal resistance, although it decreases chemical resistance. The properties of polypropylene depend on factors such as molecular weight, crystallinity, and type of comonomer used. Isotactic polypropylene, for example, has a higher degree of crystallinity, resulting in increased stiffness and resistance to creep compared to atactic polypropylene and polyethylene.
Polypropylene is highly versatile and used in various industries. It is known for its durability, robustness, and resistance to external factors. It is water-resistant and can maintain its shape after experiencing torsion or bending, making it ideal for living hinges and shampoo lids. Polypropylene is also an excellent insulator due to its high electrical resistance, making it suitable for electronic components. Its high melting point and low cost make it a popular choice for kitchen utensils, food appliances, and packaging materials.
Polypropylene is widely used in the automobile industry for manufacturing car batteries, bumpers, interior elements, and cladding. It is also commonly used in the medical industry due to its ability to withstand stringent sterilisation procedures. Additionally, polypropylene is used in toys, pallets, bottles, jars, and food packaging. Its recyclable nature further enhances its sustainability.
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Polystyrene (PS) is used in food service items
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic plastic polymer that is widely used in food service items due to its unique properties and advantages. It is a versatile material that can be moulded into various forms, making it suitable for different packaging needs in the food industry.
One of the most common types of polystyrene used in food service items is general-purpose PS (GPPS) or crystal PS. It is created through styrene monomer polymerization, resulting in a clear and transparent product. Polystyrene is also available in other forms, such as expandable polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), commonly known as "Styrofoam". EPS is often used in packaging like foam meat trays and egg cartons, providing protection and versatility for various food products.
Polystyrene is lightweight, durable, and inert, making it ideal for food packaging and containers. It offers excellent thermal insulation, keeping food fresh for longer periods. Its insulating properties are also advantageous in construction, where polystyrene foam is used for walls, roofing, and industrial cold storage facilities. Additionally, polystyrene is safe for health, affordable, and resistant to solvents, further enhancing its applicability in the food service industry.
However, despite its favourable attributes, polystyrene has faced scrutiny due to its recyclability concerns. While polystyrene containers are technically recyclable, they are not considered recyclable in practice or at scale. Organizations have classified the material as "Not Yet Recyclable" or "Problematic and Unnecessary" for recycling, highlighting the need for sustainable packaging design in the industry.
In conclusion, polystyrene (PS) is a commonly used material in food service items due to its versatility, durability, and insulating properties. Its lightweight and transparent nature, combined with its affordability and inertness, make it a popular choice for food packaging and containers. However, the focus on sustainability and recyclability in the industry has brought attention to the challenges associated with polystyrene recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most sold plastic. It is mostly used for food and drink packaging.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the second most sold plastic. It is used in construction and pipes.
Polypropylene (PP) is the third most sold plastic. It is used in Tupperware, car parts, thermal vests, and yogurt containers.
Plastics are used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, durable goods (e.g. appliances, furniture), construction, and medical devices.
Plastics have a slow decomposition rate in natural ecosystems, leading to plastic pollution and microplastic formation. Marine plastic pollution, such as bottle caps and plastic bags, poses a significant threat to marine life.
