Plastics

 

                                                                                

                                                     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.