Disadvantages of plastic wikipedia
Increasingly, there is talk of replacing plastic with other options. The truth is that this material has become a problem due to its massive use and the difficulty in recycling. Therefore, we talk about the possible alternatives to plastic, both traditional and more innovative.
In fact, plastic tends to have few alternatives in many cases, because it is difficult to find something with the same characteristics. For example, replacing plastic packaging with paper packaging would mean much more breakage and damage, and packaged food would be exposed to dirt, etc.
It has always been used in packaging, especially for liquids, but not only that. From seeds to vegetables and cereals, glass has always been an alternative to plastic, to which we are increasingly returning.
However, not all biodegradable plastics are the same. Some have a very low capacity, some need between 3 and 6 months and some require special facilities for the process.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of plastics?
Thermoplastics. They are easily recyclable plastics since they melt when heated and can therefore be molded repeatedly without altering their original properties too much. However, during the different reprocessing cycles they undergo modifications, so they cannot be recycled more than 5 or 7 times. The best known thermoplastics are: LDPE, HDPE, PP, PET, PVC, PS, EPS and PC.
Thermosets. These are difficult to recycle because they are made up of polymers with chemically linked chains that require the destruction of their molecular structure in order to melt them and this leads to a major alteration of their original properties. There are different thermosets: phenolic resins, ureic resins, etc…
Disadvantages of plastic on the environment
With the slogan: “Plastic packaging: 10 reasons that make a difference”, the Decalogue shows, in a simple way, some keys such as the protection and preservation they offer for different types of food; the information of the products they preserve, as well as the possibility of being able to see them through the packaging.
It also recalls their contribution to a more sustainable transport by lightening the weight of the goods, their innovative potential, and the flexibility and benefits they provide us with according to our lifestyle and consumption habits; the Decalogue also highlights how with a single gesture they can be given a second life, explaining to society that their collaboration is essential when making good use of packaging.
Plastic packaging is subject to rigorous international and national controls and verifications regarding its composition and safety for contact with food, which makes it the most regulated and totally safe for consumers.
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A cozier world with plastic With proper installation, plastic insulation can reduce heat and cold loss in the home or school by up to 70%, making it warmer or cooler, cozier and more energy efficient.
Catch the power of the wind with plastic! Wind power is free, but did you know that it would be impossible to trap wind energy without plastics? A special plastic is used in wind turbine covers and for the huge blades.
Flying farther on less fuel thanks to plastic! Did you know that plastic is increasingly being used to replace different parts of airplanes? The center wing box of the Airbus A380 uses plastic fiber composite components, which reduce the weight of the aircraft by 1.5 tons. The aircraft can fly farther and increase its payload with the same amount of fuel – now that’s energy efficiency!
Lighter cars thanks to plastic! Plastics are an ideal material for making cars. An average model car is made of 11% plastic materials. This means lower fuel consumption and thus lower CO2 emissions.