Mismanaged plastic waste is a global problem, one the plastics industry wants to play a key role in helping. But as society learns to use the planet's resources more wisely, the intelligent use of plastic will always be part of the solution.

This is because plastics is vital to almost every aspect of modern life, it is indespensible in so many industries and plays an essential role in reducing food waste and carbon emissions. To name a few, plastics is crucial in:

• Medicine: From gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, to syringes, IV tubes, catheters, and ventilator components, and even medical packaging for sterile supplies, medications, and equipment - plastics are pivotal to the modern medical facility.
• Uniformed Services: Plastics is integral in protective gear for emergency services (such as police officers, firefighters, and soldiers) as it allows the creation of incredibly lightweight and flexible equipment which is uniquely resistant - enabling officers to move freely while remaining protected.
• Packaging: Plastic packaging helps extend the shelf life of food products, reducing food waste significantly, while plastic containers are lightweight - reducing transportation costs and associated carbon emissions compared to heavier materials like glass or metal.
• Travel: Plastics are used to make vehicles (including cars, trains, planes...) lighter, improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The durability of plastic materials ensures longevity and reduces maintenance needs.
• Construction: From windows to EPS to pipes, plastic-based materials improve energy efficiency in buildings, reducing heating and cooling costs, as well as being essential for plumbing and electrical conduits. All modern homes rely on the material.
• Electronics and Technology: Plastics are absolutely vital in the manufacture of smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices because of their insulating properties and versatility. Using plastics helps reduce the weight of electronic devices, improving portability and reducing transportation emissions.
• Renewable Energy: Plastics are used in solar panels and the blades of wind turbines due to their strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and performance, which is crucial for efficiency.
• Sports: Without plastics, a lot of sporting gear would be less efficient, less safe, and players would be exposed to a higher risk of concussions, fractures, burns, and other severe injuries.

It is hard to deny that plastics has has made huge advancements to modern life, and in many ways actually contributes to the protection of our environment. With that said, plastic pollution is a global issue and the impacts of it are felt across borders. Therefore the BPF makes a continuous effort towards supporting a more sustainable future. Key links:

You may also be interested in:

• How Plastics Revolutionised Safety - Article
• Plastics: A Vision for a Circular Economy
• Sustainability in the Plastics Supply Chain
• Understanding the Debate About Plastic 
• Why We Need Plastic Packaging
• Plastic Saves (interesting facts)
• Better Use Plastics
• BPF Position Statement: The Global Treaty On Plastic Pollution

Below you can also find key news from across the web highlighting the positive contribution the plastics industry has made to society, examples of plastic being independently endorsed, examples of innovation, and some independent case studies.

News From Across the Web

'Absolutely brilliant!' Co-op to launch new 'extensive' scheme in 1,500 stores CO-OP has announced the launch of Europe's most extensive in-store recycling scheme for plastic bags and packaging. The supermarket's customers have expressed their delight at the news on social media, with some calling the move "brilliant".

‘Really impressive’: Shoppers ‘amazed’ by Sainsbury’s new recycling system - ‘so easy’ Sainsbury's recently rolled out a new recycling system which allows shoppers to recycle soft plastics. Customers have praised the supermarket on social media for the service, with one shopper saying it is "really impressive".

Coca-Cola to use 100% recycled plastics for all on-the-go bottles in the UK Coca‑Cola Great Britain (GB), in partnership with Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners, has today announced that it is set to reach a significant milestone by using 100% recycled plastic in all on-the-go bottles across its entire range, as it continues its progress towards fully sustainable packaging.

FMCG giants unveil world's first plastic bottles recycled using enzymes L'Oreal, Nestle Waters, PepsiCo and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe have unveiled plastic bottles made entirely from post-consumer waste recycled using enzymatic processes, in what they describe as a world first.

How seagrass could help solve the ocean plastic crisis New study suggests seagrass can capture plastic and deliver it to the shore

War on plastic is distracting from more urgent threats to environment, experts warn A team of leading environmental experts, spearheaded by the University of Nottingham, have warned that the current war on plastic is detracting from the bigger threats to the environment.

UKRI outlines ‘cutting edge’ recycling plans UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is investing £20 million ($25m) in four “cutting edge” recycling plants to help reduce landfill and incineration.

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