Summary
Highlights
Plastics, ubiquitous in modern life, have evolved from natural products to synthetically produced materials. Early uses date back 3,500 years with the Olmecs using natural rubber. Synthetic plastics like celluloid and Bakelite emerged in the mid-19th and 20th centuries. On a molecular level, plastics are polymers, long chains of chemical compounds that allow them to be easily molded under heat and pressure.
Most modern plastics are man-made and derived from fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas. These are refined into building blocks like ethane and propane, which are then 'cracked' into smaller molecules such as ethylene and propylene. A catalyst then links these molecules to form polymers called resins. These resins are melted, cooled, and chopped into nurdles, which manufacturers use to create various plastic products. Resin identification codes indicate the chemicals used in their production.
Due to its utility, global plastic production has doubled every decade, with 9.2 billion tons produced since 1950. A significant portion, especially single-use plastics (like straws and bags), ends up as waste. These negatively impact natural habitats, endanger wildlife, and pollute communities worldwide, as they are often not recycled.
To counter plastic pollution, individuals can reduce single-use plastic consumption by opting for reusable alternatives. For existing plastics, scientists are exploring solutions like organisms (wax worms, mealworms, microbes) that can break down plastic. Additionally, changes in plastic production involve a return to plant-based ingredients to create biodegradable bioplastics. Even the rubber tree, used by the Olmecs, is now a source for natural and sustainable plastic production.