Addressing the plastic crisis requires a massive effort, with an estimated $5.22 trillion needed by 2040 to effectively combat the issue.
Shifting from a world plagued by plastic pollution to a sustainable future demands a clear understanding of plastic and the development of eco-friendly alternatives.
In this blog, we will delve into the facts about plastics and share plastic waste management tips. By separating truth from hype, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of the plastic crisis and the actions needed to address it.
Plastic Truth: Unveiling the Hidden Facts
Plastics have become a focal point in environmental discussions, often generating misconceptions that cloud our understanding of their role in modern life.
From production, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, to disposal, effectively addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste and optimising material management requires dispelling common misconceptions.
1. Not All Plastic is Recyclable
While some plastics, such as plastic bottles and HDPE containers, are readily recyclable and can be transformed into new products, many common items like plastic bags, straws, shampoo bottles, and milk jugs pose significant challenges due to processing limitations.
Innovative solutions and advanced technologies are needed to transform these materials into recyclable plastics and valuable resources.
2. Not All Plastic is Created Equal
Plastics are categorised into seven types based on RIC, each with varying recyclability and potential environmental impact. While some, like PET water bottles, are widely recycled, others pose challenges due to their composition.
Importantly, not all plastics are harmful, but certain types of plastic products leach harmful chemicals when exposed to specific conditions. The majority of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, although a small percentage, such as PLA, originates from plant-based plastics.
3. Coffee Cups Can’t Actually Be Recycled
While appearing recyclable due to their paper exterior, coffee cups are often lined with a thin layer of plastic. This combination is difficult for a recycling facility to process effectively. For optimal recycling, materials should ideally be composed of a single substance, such as 100% PET bottles.
4. The #7 Plastic Enigma
Labelled #7 in recycling, this category includes various plastics. Many are non-recyclable, and some are mislabeled as “biodegradable.” Biodegradable plastics need specific conditions to decompose and are rarely found in landfills. Thus, #7 plastics persist for centuries, worsening the plastic waste crisis.
Discover how SynPet’s cutting-edge technology can transform plastic recycling. Reach out today and join the fight for a cleaner planet.
Overview of Plastic Waste Management Practices
Understanding the different types of plastics and their uses is key to tackling the global challenge of plastic waste. Each type, from PET to PP polypropylene, plays a distinct role in our daily lives, and this diversity directly impacts how effectively we can manage and recycle them.
As a result, plastic waste management involves various processes to minimise environmental impact, but their effectiveness varies globally due to differences in policies, infrastructure, and public awareness.
Key practices include:
- Collection and Sorting: Efficient systems for gathering plastic waste and categorising it based on type.
- Recycling: Converting plastic waste into new products through processes like melting and reprocessing.
- Incineration: Burning plastic waste to generate energy, although this method raises concerns about emissions.
- Landfilling: Burying plastic waste, is a common but problematic practice due to its slow decomposition.
- Chemical Recycling: Breaking down plastic into its original components for reuse.
- Biodegradation: Utilising microorganisms to decompose plastic, a promising but still developing technology.
Despite ongoing efforts, the growing plastic waste crisis demands a more thorough strategy. To lessen the environmental impact of plastic more effectively, it is essential to transition to alternative materials.
Beyond Plastic: Sustainable Alternatives
Although plastic has been a crucial material for many years, as its negative effects on health and the environment have become more evident, researchers, industries, and consumers are exploring a range of materials to replace conventional plastics.
Here are some of the most commonly used plastic alternatives:
- Paper: Widely used for packaging and disposable items. While biodegradable, its production can be resource-intensive.
- Glass: Commonly used for containers and bottles. It is recyclable but heavy and prone to breakage.
- Metal: Used in various industries for its durability. However, metal production can be energy-intensive.
- Compostable materials: Offer a biodegradable option but may require specific conditions to decompose effectively.
- Bioplastics: Derived from renewable sources, they may still have environmental impacts similar to conventional plastics.
While conventional plastic types pose environmental challenges, they are crucial in healthcare, transportation, and plastic packaging. Sustainable alternatives aim to retain the benefits of plastic products while reducing environmental impacts.
Embrace Sustainability: Recycle with SynPet
SynPet’s groundbreaking Thermal Conversion Process, TCP™, emerges as a cornerstone of a sustainable future. By transforming diverse waste streams into valuable energy resources, TCP™ directly addresses the pressing global waste crisis while mitigating climate change.
Here are the 3 steps involved in SynPet’s innovative recycling process:
- Step 1: Depolymerisation: This treats substances with water under heat and pressure, separating materials so organic components advance to chemical recycling.
- Step 2: Hydrolysis: Carbon-based molecules undergo a gas shift reaction, with hydrogen and hydroxide attaching to target carbons. This separates carbon from contaminants, and decarboxylation removes oxygen from hydrocarbon chains, resulting in pure, long hydrocarbon chains.
- Step 3: Thermal Cracking: Raise the temperature above 450 degrees to break down long-chain hydrocarbons, resulting in high-quality products.
SynPet’s partnership with Kolmar Group AG at the Port of Antwerp exemplifies the power of TCP™ to create a circular economy.
By minimising fossil fuel reliance and maximising resource recovery, SynPet is not only reducing the environmental impact but also driving economic growth.
Explore how SynPet is cutting fossil fuel use and driving sustainability. Contact us today to discover innovative solutions for a greener future.
