Sofia Martinez
Plastic is now an integral part of our daily lives, from pillows to toothbrushes to keyboards. The word 'plastic' originally meant 'pliable and easily shaped', and plastic materials are made of polymers, which are long chains of molecules. The first plastic was Parkesine, invented in 1862 by Birmingham-born Alexander Parkes, though Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, created by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907, is considered a breakthrough moment. However, plastic's popularity grew significantly during World War II, when there was a need for durable, lightweight, and inexpensive materials. After the war, plastic became increasingly popular, but by the 1960s, plastic waste was becoming a concern, and by the 1970s and 80s, plastic's reputation was suffering due to the environmental impact of plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic's popularity | Can be attributed to World War II and the need for durable, lightweight, inexpensive, easy-to-produce materials |
| Plastic's reputation | Fell in the 1970s and 1980s as the environmental impact of plastic waste became clear |
| Plastic's earliest use | As an ivory and tortoiseshell substitute in 1862, patented by Alexander Parkes and called Parkesine |
| First modern plastic | Bakelite, created in 1907 by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland |
| Plastic's ubiquity | Found in pillows, toothbrushes, keyboards, food containers, clothes, toys, and more |
| Plastic's appeal | Durable, versatile, lightweight, inexpensive, and convenient |
| Plastic's environmental impact | Pollutes landscapes, oceans, air, and bodies; has entered the fossil record |
| Plastic's future | Biodegradable bio-based plastics are emerging as a solution to the pollution problem |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Plastic's popularity surged during World War II
Plastic is a word that originally meant "pliable and easily shaped". The word polymer means "of many parts", and polymers are made of long chains of molecules. Polymers abound in nature. Over the last century and a half, humans have learned how to make synthetic polymers, using the plentiful carbon atoms provided by petroleum and other fossil fuels.
The incredible success of plastic can be directly attributed to World War II when there was an incredible need for easy-to-produce, durable supplies. The developments made during wartime led to plastics that are still used today. When the world went to war in 1939, almost all production turned to making war materials, and there was a need for durable, lightweight materials that could be manufactured quickly. Women gave up their nylon stockings so they could be used to make rope and parachutes. Newly created expanded polystyrene was used for thermal insulation and shock absorption in vehicles, and PVC was used to make everything from canvas for tents and water-repellent coatings for uniforms to hand grenades and tank components.
The military requirements of the Second World War drove the industrial and technological advancements in the field of synthetic chemistry. It was after the First World War that plastics made their most significant foray into the industrial landscape: polystyrene, polyamide, and more gradually became ubiquitous in households, transcending social strata.
After World War II, Americans were ready to spend again, and much of what they bought was made of plastic. Plastic challenged traditional materials and won, taking the place of steel in cars, paper and glass in packaging, and wood in furniture. The possibilities of plastics gave some observers a utopian vision of a future with abundant material wealth thanks to an inexpensive, safe, and sanitary substance that could be shaped by humans to their every whim.
However, in the postwar years, there was a shift in American perceptions as plastics were no longer seen as unambiguously positive. Plastic waste started to emerge as a shadow over the plastics revolution. Plastic debris in the oceans was first observed in the 1960s, a decade in which Americans became increasingly aware of environmental problems. Plastic's reputation fell further in the 1970s and 1980s as anxiety about waste increased. The very qualities that made plastics so appealing—durability, versatility, and low cost—also made them a growing concern as waste began to accumulate.
Creative Ways to Hang Plastic Vines on Your Wall
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99 $22.79
Post-war environmental concerns
The post-war years saw a shift in American perceptions of plastic, which was no longer seen as an unambiguously positive material. Plastic debris in the oceans was first observed in the 1960s, a decade in which Americans became increasingly aware of environmental problems. The environmental repercussions of plastic pollution have led to increased global awareness and calls for sustainable alternatives.
The swift expansion of the plastics industry has raised considerable environmental concerns. The characteristics that make plastics durable also create challenges in waste management, predominantly regarding marine pollution and the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. Plastics significantly threaten marine ecosystems, with wildlife often ingesting plastic debris and mistaking it for food, leading to malnutrition, intestinal blockages, and fatalities. For instance, sea turtles frequently consume plastic bags, believing they are jellyfish. Microplastics, particles smaller than 5 mm, are particularly alarming due to their prevalence in marine environments and their predisposition to bioaccumulate within the food chain.
Beach clean-ups are a way to mitigate plastic pollution; they are government or individually led practices, such as one of the largest beach clean-ups in Mumbai, India, where two men were so frustrated at the appalling condition of Versova Beach that they began to pick up the decomposing waste themselves.
Some scientists are attempting to make plastics safer and more sustainable. Innovators are developing bioplastics, which are made from plant crops instead of fossil fuels, to create substances that are more environmentally friendly than conventional plastics. Others are working to make plastics that are truly biodegradable. Some are searching for ways to make recycling more efficient, and they even hope to perfect a process that converts plastics back into the fossil fuels from which they were derived.
Despite these efforts, plastic consumption has surged in recent decades, and the industry's lobbying, promotion, and outreach have successfully increased demand for plastics. The industry has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into its "Plastics Make it Possible" campaign, which started on TV in the 1990s and is now on social media. The campaign has gathered endorsements from celebrities and paid for posts on sites like BuzzFeed. Today, about a dozen states restrict local governments from regulating plastic items, while only two (with a third pending) have passed statewide plastic-bag bans.
A Beginner's Guide to Installing Flexible Plastic Conduit
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic's durability, versatility, and low cost
Plastic is a word that originally meant "pliable and easily shaped". It is now used as a name for a category of materials called polymers. Polymers are made of long chains of molecules, and plastics are formed by connecting carbon and hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, or sulfur atoms to create long polymer chains.
Plastics are durable, versatile, and low-cost materials. Their defining characteristic, plasticity, allows them to be molded, extruded, or pressed into a wide range of solid forms. This adaptability, combined with a range of other properties, has led to their widespread use around the world.
Plastics are durable because they are composed of long chains of polymers that create a sturdy material that does not decompose easily. They are resistant to many natural degradation processes and can withstand normal wear and tear. For example, composite plastics have high specific strength, giving them metal-like durability while maintaining advantages like corrosion resistance and design flexibility.
Plastics are versatile because they can be used in a wide range of applications. They are lightweight, flexible, chemically resistant, and have high tensile and flexural strength. This makes them suitable for use in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where their lightweight nature is crucial for fuel efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Plastics are also low-cost because the raw materials required for their production are readily available worldwide and are not subject to the price fluctuations of petroleum-based products and organic ores. The high demand for plastics drives down the cost per unit and production expenses. In addition, improved processes and lower raw material costs have made manufacturing plastic easier and more efficient, further reducing costs.
Spray, Brush, or Dip: Painting Plastic Ornaments
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic's environmental impact
Plastic is a word that originally meant "pliable and easily shaped". It is now used as a name for a category of materials called polymers, which are made of long chains of molecules. Polymers are naturally abundant, but humans have learned to make synthetic polymers using fossil fuels.
The environmental impact of plastics is significant and far-reaching. Plastic waste does not break down and can accumulate in the environment for generations, polluting landscapes, oceans, air, and even human bodies. Research shows that plastic pollution may take between 100 to 1,000 years or more to decompose, depending on environmental conditions. Once in the environment, plastic can fragment into microplastics, which are plastic particles ranging in size from five millimeters to one nanometer, and nanoplastics, which are smaller than one micrometer. These microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in every ecosystem on the planet, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs. They are ingested by marine species, putting them at risk of suffocation or entanglement. More than 1,500 species in marine and terrestrial environments are known to ingest plastics.
The production, use, and disposal of plastics have negative consequences at every stage of their life cycle. Plastic is derived from fossil fuel extraction, which releases toxins that can damage sensory organs, affect bodily systems, and impair organs. The use of plastic consumer goods exposes people to toxic additives and hazardous chemicals, which can contaminate the surrounding environment and enter the bodies of animals and humans. The ingestion and inhalation of microplastics can severely affect human health, leading to chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and even stroke.
Plastic waste also contributes to climate change. In the EU, annual emissions related to plastic production amount to around 13.4 million tonnes of CO2, or about 20% of the chemicals industry's emissions. Global consumption of plastic is accelerating, and it is estimated that only about 9% of all the plastic ever produced has been recycled, with 12% incinerated. The durability of plastics means that discarded items persist in the environment, and their lightweight nature means they can be blown away from landfills, ending up in oceans and other ecosystems.
The widespread adoption of plastics has led to growing awareness and concern about their impact on the environment and human health. Efforts are being made to reduce plastic waste, with activists targeting disposable plastics and several American cities passing bag bans. The EU has also implemented specific rules, targets, and guidelines to tackle plastic pollution and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Discovering the True Colors of Plastics
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic alternatives and recycling
Plastic is a loose term for describing materials that can be formed and moulded under heat and pressure. Polymers are the chemical class of materials that make up all modern plastics. Plastic is now an integral part of our lives, but its widespread adoption has had severe consequences for our health and the environment. Plastic pollutes our landscapes, oceans, air, and bodies.
Plastic alternatives
Scientists and manufacturing companies have been working to develop sustainable alternatives to plastic that are equal in strength and flexibility but safer for the environment and human health.
One promising alternative is biodegradable algae-based packaging. B'zeos, a Norwegian startup, was the first company to use seaweed to develop sustainable packaging. Since introducing their first product in 2018, an edible drinking straw, the company has expanded to produce biodegradable condiment packets, cutlery, and plastic wrap, all of which are designed to biodegrade completely in less than 47 days. Another leader in seaweed-based products is 2022 Earthshot winner Notpla, whose products include seaweed-based cutlery and compostable takeout containers.
One type of bio-based and biodegradable plastic alternative is PHA, or polyhydroxyalkanoates. PHA is produced by microorganisms through bacterial fermentation fuelled by a variety of plant sources. Genecis is a company that uses food waste and agricultural waste to feed their bacterial cultures, resulting in a circular manufacturing process. Refork, a Czech company, uses wood fibre mixed with PHA polymer and minerals to produce eco-friendly cutlery, straws, and toothbrushes.
Silicone is another alternative to plastic. While sharing many physical characteristics with fossil fuel-derived plastics, it is considered much safer and more environmentally friendly. Silicone is made from naturally occurring silica stone, water, and natural gas-derived methanol. It is strong, flexible, and can withstand extreme temperatures. Platinum silicone is considered one of the safest forms of silicone and is used in many kitchen products and medical implants. However, silicone products are not widely accepted for recycling.
In 2022, scientists at Rutgers University, in partnership with Harvard University, created an anti-microbial and biodegradable spray-on protective coating for produce and other food items. Made out of plant cellulose, the spray is designed to be rinsed off with water and degrade in soil within 3 days. While it is yet to be commercialized, the spray could eliminate the need for plastic packaging of fruits, vegetables, and meat.
Plastic recycling
Plastic recycling is the processing of plastic waste into other products. Recycling can reduce dependence on landfills, conserve resources, and protect the environment from plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, recycling rates for plastic lag behind those of other recoverable materials such as aluminium, glass, and paper. From the start of plastic production through to 2015, the world produced around 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste, only 9% of which has been recycled, and only ~1% has been recycled more than once.
Almost all recycling is mechanical and involves the melting and reforming of plastic into other items. This can cause polymer degradation at the molecular level, and requires that waste be sorted by colour and polymer type before processing, which is often complicated and expensive. Errors can lead to material with inconsistent properties, rendering it unappealing to industry. While filtration in mechanical recycling reduces microplastic release, even the most efficient filtration systems cannot prevent the release of microplastics into wastewater.
Feedstock recycling is another method, where waste plastic is converted into its starting chemicals, which can then be used to make fresh plastic. This involves higher energy and capital costs. Plastic can also be burned in place of fossil fuels in energy recovery facilities or biochemically converted into other useful chemicals for industry.
Plastic recycling has been advocated since the early 1970s, but due to economic and technical challenges, it did not have a significant impact on plastic waste management until the late 1980s. In 1988, the U.S. Society of the Plastics Industry created the Council for Solid Waste Solutions to promote the idea of plastic recycling to the public. The association lobbied American municipalities to launch or expand plastic waste collection programmes and lobbied U.S. states to require the labelling of plastic containers and products with recycling symbols.
Today, plastic bottles are some of the most recycled items in the world, with PET and HDPE bottles being the easiest types of plastic to recycle. Many local authorities now offer collection facilities for plastic bottles and mixed plastics packaging such as pots, tubs, and trays. Recently, some supermarkets and retailers have started collecting a wider range of plastic bags and wrappings, including baby and pet food pouches, crisp and sweet packets, delivery bags, and salad bags.
Minute Rice: Plastic or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plastic became popular during World War II when there was a need for durable, lightweight, and inexpensive materials that could be manufactured quickly.
The first plastic was Parkesine, invented by Birmingham-born inventor Alexander Parkes in 1862. However, Bakelite, invented in 1907 by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland, is considered the first modern plastic.
Expanded polystyrene was used for thermal insulation and shock absorption in vehicles, and PVC was used for everything from canvas for tents and water-repellent coatings for uniforms to hand grenades and tank components.
![Freshware Food Storage Containers [50 Set] 8 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/71xdf07-YVL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
