Currently, we are living among synthetics. The synthetics entirely constitute plastic primarily. It has become a whole another industry now as its usage is now one of our prime necessities.
The resources plastic is providing to the world in every field are unparalleled. Its aid in health, electronics, construction, food, defense, chemical, textile, and every other is irreplaceable. A ground-breaking and diverse effect will be caused among all the industries if plastic production is halted or, in the other case, ceased.
Table of Contents
Our Plastic Consumption
Annually, our plastic consumption shoots to about 300 million tons. You know, and I know that we need it.
The world needs it. Plastic products play a vital part in moving the earth’s cycle, contributing to health care, and maintaining and revamping our ecosystem. However, there exist a lot of controversies about the adverse effects caused by the spoilage of plastic.
Plastics have a whole hierarchy of their types in accordance with their application in different industries. Its divergent nature for respective sectors makes it demanding.
Importanceofstuff.com researched some world-developing consumption of plastic which highlights its importance;
1- Pipelines are being constructed with the help of plastic material to ensure water flow to different parts of the world. Moreover, they are also used in the construction of houses for plumbing. Unlike iron, plastic pipes don’t rust when coming in contact with water; therefore, they are used in multiple applications right from residences to industries.
2- Usage of plastic has reduced the causes of deforestation since many plastic products are being used in place of wood.
3- Plastic is also used to capture solar energy in order to generate electricity and save on energy bills.
4- Plastic is used to make optic fibers that are laid under the sea to provide a high-speed internet connection to the users. Without the material, innovation is not possible in the field of technology.
5- Vehicles use plastic material because it optimizes the usage of power and makes them more efficient.
Plastic Debris
Apart from the benefits and revenue earned from plastic resources, its spoilage is very deploring. The only cause can be irresponsible managing practices. Either way, it’s unacceptable.
Due to the burgeoning litter, Plastic industries are contributing globally for its aid.
“PlasticsEurope is a committed signatory to the global Declaration for Marine Litter Solutions to prevent leakage of plastics into the environment. In the framework of the Global Plastics Alliance (an alliance of 74 plastics associations from around the world), over 355 projects have been run or are ongoing in different parts of the globe to fight this problem.”
[Source: www.plasticseurope.org]
Manufacturers
“Each year, our consumption of plastic globally increases by around 5%.” (dolphinplastics.com.au)
Only our necessities result in an increment of utility production. The most prominent manufacturers of plastic are stated below;
1-America
2-China
3-Germany
4-Italy
Aid To Society
According to 2019 Data from plasticseurope.org;
1-The plastics industry gives direct employment to more than 1.6 million people in Europe.
2-An industry in which close to 60,000 companies operate, most of them being SME’s.
3-The European plastics industry had a positive trade balance of more than 15 billion euros.
4-The European plastics industry contributed 28.8 billion euros to public finances and welfare.
5-In 2018, 9.4 million tons of plastic post-consumer waste were collected in Europe to be recycled.
The subsequent data is only highlights of plastic’s exceptional contribution to society.
Conclusion
“The European plastics industry ranks 7th in Europe in industrial value-added contribution. At the same level as the pharmaceutical industry* and very close to the chemical industry.” [plasticseurope.org]
Reading about plastic, I’ve only come across to complete negative writings. But digging through the depths of the matter made me realize that plastic’s contribution is global, and its cons are being tended to be ameliorated.
Therefore, I see no harm in its rising future and development.
