(Source - Green America)
Types Of Plastics
· Polyethylene (PE)- A lightweight and flexible plastic used in packaging materials, such as plastic bags and milk jugs.
· Polypropylene (PP)- A strong and heat-resistant plastic used in a variety of applications, including food packaging, laboratory equipment, and car parts.
· Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)- A strong and rigid plastic used in pipes, window frames, and electrical cable insulation.
· Polystyrene (PS)- A lightweight and inexpensive plastic used in products such as disposable coffee cups and food packaging.
· Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)- A strong and lightweight plastic used in beverage bottles and food packaging.
· Polycarbonate (PC)- A clear and tough plastic used in applications such as safety glasses, electronic devices, and medical equipment.
· Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): A tough and impact-resistant plastic used in products such as toys, luggage, and musical instruments.
(Source - Plastics for Change)
Advantages
· Durability- Plastics are strong, durable, and resistant to many chemicals, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, including packaging, construction, and transportation.
· Versatility- Plastics can be molded into a variety of shapes and forms, which makes them suitable for use in a wide range of products, from toys to medical devices.
· Lightweight- Plastics are lightweight, which makes them easy to transport and handle, and helps to reduce the overall weight of products.
· Cost-effective- Plastics are relatively inexpensive to produce, which makes them a cost-effective material for many products.
· Moisture resistance- Many plastics are waterproof, making them ideal for use in packaging for food and beverages, as well as in outdoor and marine applications.
Disadvantages
· Environmental impact- Many types of plastic are not biodegradable, which means they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. This can lead to the buildup of plastic waste in landfills and in the natural environment, where it can harm wildlife and damage ecosystems.
· Health concerns- Some types of plastic, such as those containing Bisphenol A (BPA), have been linked to potential health risks, including endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, and certain types of cancer.
· Limited recyclability- While some types of plastic can be recycled, many are not easily recyclable, which can lead to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.
· Energy consumption- The production of plastic can be energy-intensive, and the extraction of the raw materials used to produce plastic, such as petroleum and natural gas, can have environmental impacts.
Overcoming Difficulties
· Lack of biodegradability- Many types of plastic are not biodegradable, which means they do not break down over time into natural, harmless substances. This leads to the buildup of plastic waste in landfills and in the natural environment, where it can persist for hundreds of years.
· Environmental pollution- Plastic waste can end up in oceans, where it can harm marine life and damage ecosystems. Plastic debris can also break down into small particles called microplastics, which can be ingested by wildlife and enter the food chain.
· Limited recycling- While some types of plastic can be recycled, many are not easily recyclable, and the recycling process itself can have environmental impacts. In addition, the lack of a closed-loop recycling system means that many plastic products are not recycled and end up in landfills or the environment.
Written by - Narayanamanikandan B.
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