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The mass use of plastic started in the 1950s and has grown constantly since then. Today more

than 250 million tons of plastic are produced annually. Whereas in Europe the production of

plastic has remained relatively constant over the last decade, in the developing countries in

particular it has increased continuously. In the last 20 years worldwide demand has risen

constantly by a figure of 5% annually.

Plastics have many practical qualities

The popularity of plastic can be explained not only by its low production costs but also by its

numerous practical qualities such as low weight, resistance to acid, and flexibility. Plastic

packaging keeps food fresh and allows water to be transported across great distances. Its use

in transporting goods means savings in CO2. In addition with their flexible qualities plastics

encourage technological innovations and particularly in the areas of medicine, building

services, aircraft and automobiles lead to new solutions.

One third consists of packaging material

However, the enormous consumption of plastic also presents numerous problems. Over one

third of the plastic produced is packaging material that quickly ends up as garbage. As standard

plastic is not biodegradable, plastic rubbish that is not properly disposed off pollutes our

environment for decades or up to centuries. Today mountains of plastic are already heaped upin our garbage tips and in nature. Even in Europe with its relatively good waste management

systems optimistic estimates suggest that only a quarter of plastic waste is recycled. As

consumption increases there is an urgent need for far-sighted and holistic approaches to

solutions.

Mass plastics made from petroleum

Plasticproduction

Plastic Garbage Project - Plastic production http://www.plasticgarbageproject.org/en/themen/probleme/plastikkonsum/

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Plastics consist of long molecular chains, known as polymers, created by linking the same

repeated building element (monomer). The chemical compounds are very stable and not

degradable. This material, although often only used for a short time, is, in fact, produced to last

for eternity.

Synthetically produced plastics are made from mineral oil, coal or natural gas. A total of 4% of

the worldwide production of oil and gas is used in the manufacture of plastics. As a large

proportion of the plastic used ends up in a garbage incineration plant, this ultimately means a

waste of non-renewable resources. In Europe 80% of the total production of plastics is made

up of only six different types, known as the mass plastics: polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC,

polystyrene, PET and polyurethane.

ell-considered use

Plastics have many practical qualities. But if used thoughtlessly and in large amounts they can

also have negative consequences for our environment. As the material can be produced

cheaply this encourages excessive consumption at the point where, in fact, the amount should

really be reduced.

Links:

Plastics Europe, Plastics - The Facts 2011

Freie Unviersitt Berlin, Kunststoffe zum Kennenlernen

Download:

Material Science of Plastics [pdf]

Plastic Garbage Project - Plastic production http://www.plasticgarbageproject.org/en/themen/probleme/plastikkonsum/

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