Plastic
Synthetic materials defined by plasticity, widely used since the early 20th century.
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic materials composed primarily of polymers, characterized by plasticity, which allows them to be molded, extruded, or pressed into solid forms. Their adaptability, low weight, durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, low toxicity, and low-cost production have led to widespread global use, primarily derived from natural gas and petroleum, with a growing minority from renewable resources. The term itself originates from an Ancient Greek word meaning "capable of being shaped," and the property of plasticity enables the creation of films, fibers, plates, tubes, bottles, and boxes. Most plastics consist of organic polymers, typically long chains of carbon atoms with repeating units, whose properties are customized by attaching different molecular side chains. They are classified by chemical structure—such as acrylics, polyesters, or silicones—by synthesis methods like condensation or polyaddition, or by physical traits like hardness and thermal resistance. A key distinction is between thermoplastics, which can be remelted and reshaped, and thermosets, which undergo irreversible chemical changes. The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in New York in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, who also coined the term "plastics." Major modern types include polyethylene, widely used in packaging, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), valued in construction for its strength. Pioneering chemists like Hermann Staudinger, called the father of polymer chemistry, and Herman Mark, father of polymer physics, advanced the field. Between 1950 and 2017, an estimated 9.2 billion metric tons of plastic were produced, with over half made since 2004. In 2023, preliminary figures show over 400 million metric tons were produced worldwide, and if demand trends continue, annual production could exceed 1.3 billion tons by 2060. Packaging accounts for about 40% of plastic use, and building and construction for about 20%. Plastics have brought major benefits, from medical devices to lightweight construction and resilient sewage systems using PVC. However, concerns arise from their slow decomposition; most plastic has not been reused, with less than 10% recycled and about 14% incinerated, leading to widespread pollution, including marine garbage patches and microplastics.
- global production (1950–2017)
- 9.2 billion metric tons
- projected annual production by 2060
- over 1.3 billion tons
- primary use
- packaging (about 40%)
- recycled proportion
- less than 10%
- incinerated proportion
- about 14%
Lore & Background
Dozens of different types of plastics are produced today, such as polyethylene, widely used in product packaging, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in construction and pipes. Many chemists have contributed to the materials science of plastics, including Nobel laureate Hermann Staudinger, called 'the father of polymer chemistry', and Herman Mark, known as 'the father of polymer physics'.
Plastics are a broad category of synthetic or semisynthetic materials whose primary component is polymers. Their defining characteristic is plasticity, the ability to be molded, extruded, or pressed into a vast array of solid forms. This property, combined with low weight, durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, low toxicity, and inexpensive production, has driven their global adoption. While most plastics derive from natural gas and petroleum, a growing minority, such as polylactic acid, come from renewable resources. The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in New York in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, who also coined the term "plastics." Structurally, most plastics contain organic polymers formed from chains of carbon atoms, often with oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur. These chains consist of thousands of repeating units called monomers, with side chains attached to customize properties. Plastics are classified by chemical structure (e.g., acrylics, polyesters, silicones), synthesis process (condensation, polyaddition, cross-linking), or physical properties (hardness, density, tensile strength, thermal resistance). A key distinction is between thermoplastics, which can be remelted and reshaped, and thermosets, which undergo irreversible chemical changes during formation. The primary uses for plastic are packaging (about 40% of usage) and building/construction (about 20%). In developed economies, roughly a third is used in packaging and a similar amount in buildings for piping and siding; other uses include automobiles, furniture, and toys. In developing nations like India, 42% of consumption is for packaging.
Reader's Guide
Plastics have had major benefits for mankind, ranging from medical devices to lightweight construction materials, with sewage systems in many countries relying on polyvinyl chloride. However, they are also the basis of widespread environmental concerns due to their slow decomposition rate in natural ecosystems. Most plastic produced has not been reused, leading to microplastic remediation needs, with much ending up in landfills or as plastic pollution. Marine plastic pollution creates garbage patches. Of all plastic discarded, some 14% has been incinerated and less than 10% recycled. In developed economies, about a third of plastic is used in packaging and roughly the same in buildings; in the developing world, 42% of India's consumption is used in packaging. Worldwide, about 50 kg of plastic is produced annually per person, with production doubling every ten years.
Did You Know?
- The word plastic derives from the Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikos), meaning 'capable of being shaped or molded'.
- Packaging makes up about 40% of plastic usage, and building and construction about 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plastic?
Plastics are a broad family of synthetic or semisynthetic materials built mainly from long-chain polymers. Their defining trait is plasticity, meaning they can be shaped by molding, extrusion, or pressing into nearly any solid form. Since the early 20th century they have become one of the most ubiquitous material groups on Earth.
What is Plastic's main role in the real world?
Roughly forty percent of all plastic produced goes into packaging, making it the single largest application by volume. Beyond that, its light weight, chemical resistance, and low production cost keep it embedded in everything from construction to medicine.
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