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Challenges Faced by the Plastic Industry

With all multitude of roles played by plastic in our lives in the 21st century, it is hard to imagine a life without this material. Because many plastics are based ultimately on crude oil, there is a continuous rise in the cost of raw materials and this increasing cost is something that chemical engineers are trying to work around (Johnson, 2015). If we used small amounts of plastic, the challenge wouldn’t be that big, but no, we use them in astounding quantities. In a small island like Britain, about 8 billion disposable plastic bags are used annually! We are literally drowning into plastic, being unable to get rid of them.


Another domain of concern is that of environmental degradation. Getting rid of plastic is a daunting task. Burning is not an option as this entails the release of toxic chemicals like dioxins. Plastic disposal is a critical issue that needs to be addressed, we need to adopt more sustainable strategies in plastic disposal. This issue is currently being addressed through enhanced public awareness, enhanced recycling policies, and materials research. We need to strike a balance between environmental and human safety, and the benefits that accrue to the use of plastic.
Ultimately, converting to petroleum-free construction materials for use in smart and sustainable plastics will become a necessity, driven not only by health and environmental concerns but by the world’s steadily declining oil supply (Impact of plastics on human health and ecosystems, 2010).

Works Cited

Impact of plastics on human health and ecosystems. (2010, March 20). Retrieved from http://www.News-Medical.net

Johnson, T. (2015). Uses of Plastics. Retrieved May 17, 2015, from Composite.com: http://composite.about.com/od/Plastics/a/Uses-Of-Plastics.htm
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