Alexei Volkov
Plastic is everywhere. Since the 1950s, over nine billion metric tons of plastic have been produced, and this number is expected to increase by 70% by 2040. Single-use plastics, in particular, have become ubiquitous, with over half of non-fibre plastic coming from plastic packaging. While recycling can help reduce plastic waste, only 14% of plastic packaging is collected for recycling, and 91% of plastic is not recycled at all. The production and disposal of plastic also generate large volumes of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. To address plastic pollution, scientists and experts argue that the production of new plastics must be capped or even stopped entirely. However, cutting out plastic completely is challenging due to its widespread use in various industries, including food packaging and healthcare. Bioplastics, or plastics made from plants and biological materials, are being explored as an alternative, but they have their own limitations, such as cost and biodegradability issues. As the world grapples with the negative impacts of plastic, it becomes clear that reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling infrastructure, and developing sustainable alternatives are crucial steps towards preserving human and environmental health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic production | 450 million tons of plastic is produced every year |
| Plastic waste | More than half of non-fibre plastic comes from plastic packaging, much of which is for single-use items |
| Plastic pollution | Plastic has been found in the deepest oceans, the highest mountains, and the guts of animals that live in the deepest ocean trenches |
| Plastic's benefits | Plastic has many excellent uses, including food preservation, and certain important single-use items like surgical gloves |
| Recycling plastic | Only 14% of all plastic packaging is collected for recycling, and only one type of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate, is commonly recycled |
| Bioplastics | Bioplastics can be costly and require land that competes with food production, but as more efficient production strategies are devised, prices are expected to come down |
| Reducing plastic use | Recycling helps reduce the footprint of plastic use, but reducing plastic use is the most effective means of avoiding plastic waste |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic is necessary for food preservation
Plastic is a highly debated material, with many scientists arguing for a cap on its production to preserve human and environmental health. However, one of the biggest uses of plastic is food preservation, and it is difficult to cut out plastic completely.
Plastic also offers biological protection by safeguarding food from microorganisms and pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of contamination, infections, and diseases. It provides physical protection as well, withstanding damage during handling, transportation, and distribution. Plastic containers and bags help preserve flavour, texture, and nutrients by locking out air, preventing the absorption of unwanted odours and flavours, and averting "freezer burn".
The functionality and flexibility of plastic packaging make it a popular choice for food preservation. Plastic food packaging is strictly regulated by authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which ensures that plastic products are safe for food storage and consumption. While there are concerns about harmful chemicals like BPAs in plastic, certain types of plastic, such as HDPE, LDPE, and PP, are deemed safe for food storage and do not harm the user.
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Bioplastics compete with food production
Bioplastics are a type of biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources such as plant material, microorganisms, or genetically modified plants, instead of traditional petroleum-based materials. They are often touted as being eco-friendly, but they are not without their drawbacks.
One of the main concerns with bioplastics is that their production may compete with food production for resources and impact agriculture and biodiversity. The crops that produce bioplastics, such as corn starch, sugarcane, and rice starch, can also be used to feed people. In 2019, the Plastic Pollution Coalition projected that 3.4 million acres of land were needed to grow the crops to meet the growing global demand for bioplastics. This is an area larger than Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark combined.
The use of food crops for bioplastic production raises concerns about potential competition with food production, especially as the land used for bioplastics production also results in lost carbon sequestration and increased carbon costs. Additionally, the fuel used to run the farm machinery produces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the climate crisis.
However, some argue that with careful planning and sustainable practices, the issue of competition with food production can be mitigated. For example, using non-food agricultural waste or dedicating specific crops for bioplastic production can minimize the impact on food production. Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential of more unconventional raw materials for bioplastic production, such as agricultural by-products and food waste, which could reduce waste and minimize competition for food crops.
Overall, while bioplastics may compete with food production, they also offer environmental benefits such as reducing non-renewable consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As technology and infrastructure continue to develop, bioplastics have the potential to play an increasingly important role in reducing the environmental impact of plastic production and waste.
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Plastic packaging is recyclable but often not recycled
Plastic is everywhere—in the air, in food, and in the deepest oceans and highest mountains. It is seeping into every aspect of our existence, and the production of new plastics must be stopped to prevent further environmental degradation. While plastic packaging is technically recyclable, it is often not recycled due to a variety of factors, including consumer behaviour, the complexity of recycling processes, and the economics of the recycling industry.
Firstly, consumer behaviour plays a significant role in the low recycling rates of plastic packaging. The convenience and throwaway culture promoted by companies have led consumers to prioritise single-use plastic products over durable and reusable alternatives. This is exacerbated by companies designing cheap, flashy packaging to fuel consumerism, resulting in an accumulation of plastic waste. Additionally, consumers often lack knowledge about which types of plastic can be recycled, further hindering recycling efforts.
Secondly, the recycling process itself is complex and challenging. There are seven types of plastic, each requiring different processes for recycling. The presence of coloured plastics, such as black trays, further complicates the recycling process as they are harder to identify and sort by technology. Plastic packaging also degrades in quality over time, and contamination or mixing of polymer types can decrease the value of the secondary plastic created.
Lastly, the economics of the recycling industry disincentivises plastic recycling. Virgin plastic is currently less expensive to produce than recycled plastic, making it more profitable for companies to create new plastic rather than recycle existing material. Additionally, not all countries have the resources to implement sustainable recycling systems, and the infrastructure for collecting and sorting plastic waste is often inadequate, with almost a third of plastic packaging leaking out of these systems.
To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes improving consumer education on plastic recycling, standardising plastic types to simplify recycling processes, and investing in recycling infrastructure. Additionally, legislative action and incentives are crucial to encourage companies to reduce plastic production and increase the use of recycled materials. While it may be challenging to eliminate plastic completely, bending the curve on single-use plastic production and improving recycling practices can significantly reduce plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.
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Plastic production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions
Plastic production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, which have a detrimental impact on the environment. The production of plastic is a major driver of climate change, and it is estimated that by 2050, plastic production could account for between 21% and 31% of the global carbon emission budget required to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Currently, the plastic industry is responsible for four times more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry, emitting around 1.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually, which accounts for about 3.3% of global emissions.
The connection between plastic and climate change is well-established, with plastic contributing to climate change throughout its life cycle, from production to disposal. The extraction and transportation of fossil fuels, which are the origin of plastics, are carbon-intensive activities. The refining and manufacturing of plastics also emit large volumes of greenhouse gases, particularly in the production of ethylene, a building block for polyethylene plastics. In 2015, emissions from ethylene production were estimated to be as high as 213 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The incineration of plastic waste further contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and has a significant climate impact. Landfilling plastic waste has a lower climate impact than incineration but still releases greenhouse gases. The disposal of plastic waste is not limited to these two options, as plastic recycling also requires energy and resources, and only 14% of all plastic packaging is collected for recycling. The complex processes involved in converting bio-based resources into bioplastics also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
The continued growth in plastic production is expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions further. If the current rate of production continues, the plastic industry's fossil fuel consumption will increase, and plastic could account for 20% of the world's total oil consumption by 2050. This growing production is the root cause of the plastic pollution problem, and if it is not addressed, other measures to reduce plastic release into the environment will be insufficient.
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$31.89
Plastic is cheap to produce and convenient
The production of plastic generates large volumes of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the climate crisis. While recycling can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic, it is not a cure-all solution. The recycling process requires significant resources, and currently, only 14% of all plastic packaging is collected for recycling. The complexity of plastic recycling, with seven types of plastic, further complicates the process. As a result, 91% of plastic is not recycled and ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment.
The packaging sector is responsible for almost half of the world's plastic usage. With the continued growth in plastic production, the industry could account for 20% of global oil consumption by 2050. This exponential growth in plastic production is the root cause of the plastic pollution problem, and it is crucial to address it through measures such as capping plastic production.
While alternatives like bioplastics exist, they come with their own set of challenges. Bioplastics can be costly, competing with food production for land and resources. Additionally, the complex processes involved in converting biomass into bioplastics result in higher prices. However, as more efficient production methods are developed, the cost of bioplastics is expected to decrease.
Despite the environmental concerns associated with plastic, it is important to recognise its essential applications. In some regions, plastic packaging ensures access to safe drinking water. Additionally, plastic plays a crucial role in the food industry, helping to prevent waste. Balancing food and plastic waste while maintaining food safety is an ongoing debate. While plastic has its benefits, it is essential to address the issue of single-use plastic production and promote a shift towards reusability and standardisation.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is important to reduce our plastic consumption, plastic has many excellent uses, such as surgical gloves, and packaging that prevents food waste.
Bioplastics, or plastics created from plants and other biological materials, are an alternative. However, they are costly and require high heats to break down, so if they enter oceans, they behave similarly to other plastics.
Research suggests that 450 million tons of plastic is produced every year. Since the 1950s, more than nine billion metric tons of plastic have been produced.
Plastic waste has been found in the environment, including in the guts of animals, drinking water, and the ocean. It also generates large volumes of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the climate crisis.
Reducing plastic use is the most effective way to avoid plastic waste. Recycling can also help, but only 14% of plastic packaging is collected for recycling, and 91% of plastic is not recycled at all. Real change will require a collective effort from lawmakers, corporations, and consumers.
