The Plastic Paradox: Value And Worth Of Different Plastics

Plastic is a relatively new material, with the first examples dating back to the late 1800s, but its versatility and low production cost have made it one of the most widely used materials today. Plastics are made from various materials, including coal, salt, natural gas, and petroleum, which are often cheaper than the materials used in plastic alternatives. The low cost of production and high demand for plastic products have led to their widespread use, despite the negative environmental impact associated with plastic pollution. While some types of plastic, such as those made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), can be recycled, the overall recycling rate for plastic is low, with most plastic waste ending up in landfills or the ocean. The challenges of recycling plastic include the high cost of processing, the presence of multiple types of plastics in a single product, and the public's lack of awareness about proper plastic disposal.

Plastic is cheaper to produce than alternatives

Additionally, plastic production requires less energy than alternative materials. For example, it takes less material to produce a plastic drinks bottle than it does to make one from glass. This lower material and energy requirement makes plastic a more cost-effective option for manufacturers.

The environmental impact of plastic production is also worth considering. Plastic generates about three times fewer greenhouse gases than alternative materials. Replacing plastic with other materials would require, on average, about 57% more energy and would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, plastic has been praised for its ability to preserve food and reduce waste. Food packaged in glass, for instance, weighs about four times as much as plastic packaging and has about double the energy consumption. As a result, food packaged in glass is more susceptible to waste.

While alternatives to plastic do exist, such as bioplastics made from renewable biomass products, they tend to be more expensive and have limited infrastructure for composting and biodegradability. Therefore, plastic remains a more economically viable option for many manufacturers and consumers.

Plastic is in high demand

The demand for plastic is also high in the automotive industry, where it is used to reduce the density and weight of vehicles, leading to improved fuel efficiency. The construction industry also relies on plastic for the interior and exterior of commercial, residential, and industrial structures. In agriculture, plastic films are used to decrease moisture loss and regulate soil temperature, resulting in higher yields.

The high demand for plastic is further fuelled by its low cost, high performance, and long durability. Plastic is cheaper to produce than alternative materials, and its raw materials, such as coal, salt, natural gas, and petroleum, are often less expensive. Additionally, plastic is lightweight and energy-efficient to produce, requiring less energy than alternative materials like paper, metal, wood, or glass.

Furthermore, plastic is resistant to extreme environmental conditions and does not degrade under high temperatures, making it ideal for packaging and maintaining the integrity of products such as cosmetics, food, and beverages. The low cost and high printability of plastic also make it a profitable packaging material, contributing to its high demand.

Plastic packaging is hard to recycle

Secondly, plastic packaging is often contaminated by food and other substances, making the resins not clean enough to be reused. This is especially true for plastic packaging designed for single-use, such as crisp packets, salad bags, and plastic wrap, which are incredibly hard to recycle.

Thirdly, the thin film nature of plastic packaging makes it more difficult for most recycling plants to handle, as it tends to bind up or clog the grinding equipment. This is a significant challenge for recycling facilities, as they require a large volume of plastic to be treated daily to remain profitable, and plastic packaging often does not meet this requirement.

Another reason plastic packaging is hard to recycle is that it was not designed with recycling in mind. Manufacturers have indicated that they are working with recyclers to design packaging that can be recycled within the capabilities of the current system. However, as recycling is a business, it is vulnerable to the ups and downs of the commodities market. Sometimes it is cheaper for packagers to use raw, virgin plastic than recycled plastic, making it less financially viable to reuse this material.

Finally, there is a lack of awareness and proper disposal of plastic packaging by consumers. Despite recycling guidelines and initiatives, such as the How2Recycle label, which provides clear instructions on packaging recyclability, many people do not recycle as much as they could. For example, plastic bottles are highly desirable for recyclers, but only about a third of them are recycled. Additionally, the majority of plastic waste in the ocean is due to mismanaged waste disposal, especially in coastal populations and low-to-middle-income countries with less effective waste management and recycling systems.

Plastic is polluting the oceans

Plastic pollution has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. Tragically, research indicates that half of the world's sea turtles have ingested plastic, and it is predicted that 99% of seabird species will have eaten plastic by 2050. Marine mammals, such as critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals, also ingest and get entangled in plastic.

Most plastic waste in the ocean is due to mismanaged waste in coastal populations, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries where waste management and recycling systems are less effective. However, rich countries produce the most plastic waste per person. Asia is the largest contributor to plastic emissions in the ocean, with East Asia and the Pacific region accounting for 60% of ocean waste, followed by South Asia at 11%.

While recycling is not always an economically viable option, it is crucial to improving waste management strategies to address the plastic pollution crisis.

Plastic is bad for human health

Plastic is a quintessential part of our world, present in almost every area of our lives. From the moment we start our day, we are likely consuming or using plastic products.

However, the production and use of plastic are hazardous to human health. Firstly, plastic production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant aspect of the fight against climate change. In 2022, the global cost of plastic-related health effects was estimated at a staggering $100 billion per year. The health effects of plastic are not limited to physical issues but also extend to neurodevelopmental and reproductive problems, as well as metabolic disorders.

The main route of microplastics exposure in humans is ingestion, followed by inhalation and dermal exposure. While the amount of plastic ingested by humans is uncertain, estimates range from 0.1 to 5 g/week, with inhalation amounting to up to 22,000,000 micro- and nanoplastics inhaled annually. Animal studies indicate that plastic particles can cross the gut barrier and travel through the body, and recent studies have found a correlation between the presence of microplastics and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, respiratory complications, and other health issues.

Additionally, toxic chemical additives in plastics can alter hormone activity, disrupting reproduction, growth, and cognitive function. Microplastics act as vessels for pathogens, increasing the spread of diseases, and have been linked to an increased risk of birth complications, lung growth issues, and childhood cancer.

The impact of plastics on human health is a pressing concern, and it is crucial to recognize the dangers of plastic pollution for both human health and the environment.

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