The Evolution and Impact of Plastic: From Life-Saving Innovations to Environmental Crisis

Plastic, once hailed as a revolutionary material, has undergone a remarkable journey from its early applications to its current state as a global environmental concern. Initially celebrated for its durability, versatility, and affordability, plastic played a crucial role in transforming societies and improving various aspects of human life. However, as plastic became an integral part of daily existence and its production skyrocketed, concerns have arisen regarding its detrimental impact on the planet and human health.

The Plastic Atlas, published by the Heinrich Boell Foundation, highlights the positive image plastics enjoyed in all areas of life since the 1950s. In the healthcare industry, plastic has been instrumental in manufacturing essential items that have significantly improved hygiene and increased life expectancy. Single-use catheters, IV bags, and syringes have played a vital role in medical procedures, saving countless lives. Additionally, latex condoms, a form of plastic, have contributed to public health by protecting against sexually transmitted infections.

Plastics have also revolutionized packaging, enabling perishable goods to remain fresh and safe for consumption while reducing overall food waste and contamination-related illnesses. However, recent studies have shed light on the presence of microplastics in human blood, breast milk, and semen, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health.

Plastic’s adaptability has led to its use in various medical applications, with electroactive polymers being employed in sensors that detect movement or heart rate. These advancements have made plastic “intelligent” and more attuned to human needs, as stated by Mickael Pruvost, a research engineer at Arkema, a chemicals company involved in developing such devices.

The history of plastic dates back to the 19th century when natural and renewable materials like rubber were used as the basis for early plastics. Celluloid, invented in the United States in 1869, replaced ivory in billiard balls and served as film for cameras during the early days of cinema. French chemist Hilaire de Chardonnet’s invention of artificial silk in 1884 paved the way for the production of nylon. The first entirely synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was created in the United States in 1907 by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. Bakelite found its use in manufacturing telephones, electrical outlets, and ashtrays. German chemist Fritz Klatte patented polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in 1912, which gained popularity in the 1950s due to its cost-effective production from chlorine, a by-product of the chemical industry.

With the global population tripling since 1950, plastic production has increased 230-fold to meet the rising demand. Packaging, construction, and transportation account for 60% of plastic usage, while textiles and consumer goods each contribute 10%. Shockingly, only 9% of all plastic is recycled, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), leading to a severe plastic waste crisis.

To address this crisis, policymakers are currently engaged in the final round of negotiations for a treaty in South Korea. The treaty aims to tackle the issue of plastic waste and find sustainable solutions for its management.