Illustration of technology, mixed media
It is simply astonishing to see how much
plastics have infiltrated our daily lives, thus becoming indispensable players
in our modern society. The materials, chameleons of the industry, juggle
between modernity, utility, and endless ecological debates. Despite their image
as a symbol of modernity, plastics actually have roots that delve deep into the
19th century. It was in 1869 that John Wesley Hyatt, an inventive mind from the
United States, gave birth to the very first artificial polymer, poetically named
celluloid. This innovative material was entrusted with the noble mission of
replacing ivory in the design of billiard balls, in response to a growing
demand for alternative options to natural resources, constantly exposed to
depletion. At the turn of the 20th century, organic chemistry was advancing by
leaps and bounds. In 1907, Leo Baekeland gave birth to Bakelite, a pioneer
among plastics entirely created in the laboratory. It is with this discovery
that the era of plastic materials begins, where unbridled imagination shapes a
myriad of new substances, each with its unique properties.
The vast universe of "plastic" encompasses a variety of polymer
materials, which primarily originate from oil refining, but nowadays, increasingly, renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane are trying to catch up.
A polymer, like a necklace of giant pearls, is composed of multiple monomers
linked to each other by chemical bonds, thus forming a gigantic molecular
structure. Plastics are divided into two categories: thermoplastics, which are
malleable under the influence of heat and recyclable, and thermosetting
plastics, which harden permanently after being heated. It is crucial to make
this distinction, as it determines how the material will be shaped, used, and
especially recycled: polyethylene (PE), the most produced plastic in the world;
polypropylene (PP), the most robust; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in our bank
cards; polystyrene (PS) for food packaging; polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
used in beverage bottles; polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), our well-known
Plexiglas for glazing; and polycarbonate (PC), very resistant to shocks, used in
our helmets.
Plastics, therefore, reign supreme in the daily lives of humans. Packaging plays
the role of guardians, jealously watching over the freshness of food, the
potency of medicines, and the safety of consumer goods. In the automotive
world, plastics are valued for their lightness and flexibility, while in the
construction field, they are appreciated for their sturdiness and ability to
withstand weather conditions. Healthcare professionals have embraced it in
their routine for its hygienic aspect and affordable price. The magic of
electronics works thanks to the insulation properties of plastic. Artificial
fibers (polyester, nylon, acrylic) open up vast prospects for the world of
fashion and the textile industry. It is thanks to their ability to bend and be
adorned with colors that leisure activities and toys become accessible. Thus,
plastics offer a multitude of advantages: they are lightweight, strong,
malleable, economical, and also possess insulating properties.
Beneath this appearance of versatility also lie some challenges. The
proliferation of these tiny pieces of plastic, measuring less than 5 mm, in the
oceans, rivers, and soils, represents a real headache, particularly due to
their ability to pollute the entire food chain. Plastics, like persistent
guests, take centuries to disappear, leaving behind overflowing landfills and
tainted landscapes. Certain ingredients, such as phthalates or bisphenol A, are
suspected of playing party pooper with our hormones and the possibility of
causing cancers. Most plastics come from a non-renewable and highly polluting
fossil source. The handling of plastics, particularly those that are
multilayered or contain additives, remains a significant concern due to the
challenges related to sorting, collection, processing, and recycling, which are
no less difficult.
The tide of plastic now represents one of the most colossal challenges of our
time. Year after year, millions of tons of plastic pour into the oceans,
leading to the disappearance of numerous animal species, disrupting marine
ecosystems, and polluting freshwater reserves. The tiny pieces of plastic are
born from the fragmentation of large waste or emerge directly from various
sources such as cosmetics, synthetic clothing, or even tires. From now on,
their influence spreads to the peaks of mountains and the depths of the abyss.
Given the magnitude of the situation, a multitude of projects are emerging.
Promote an eco-responsible approach by encouraging thoughtful creation and
purchasing, reducing the excessive use of packaging, especially non-recyclable
ones, and encouraging the reuse of objects as much as possible. Encourage the
emergence of sustainable practices by rethinking the way we sort, collect, and
design objects in order to make their recycling easier and more efficient.
Opting for plant-based polymers, capable of transforming into compost or
blending into nature, can help reduce our environmental impact. Explore new
avenues to create innovative materials, rethink recycling methods, and invent
futuristic plastics that are consumed by bacteria or capable of naturally
degrading. Ultimately, it is crucial to raise awareness among everyone, even
the youngest, about the impact of plastic materials and the vital necessity of
selective sorting.
It is imperative to realize that plastics, omnipresent in all sectors of our
daily lives, will not suddenly vanish from the landscape. However, a global
revolution is underway: governments, businesses, and citizens are mobilizing to
reduce their consumption, promote recycling, and support nature-friendly
solutions. The upcoming technological advances, combined with a shared desire,
could very well be the key to restoring harmony between humans and this
resource that is both precious and complexly polluting. In reality, exploring
the world of plastics and understanding their uses and repercussions amounts to
offering ourselves the possibility of imagining new approaches to consumption
and manufacturing, marked by sobriety and respect for our overwhelmed planet.
