Plastics have revolutionized modern life, making possible an endless array of products we use daily. But where does this material come from? What raw materials are used to make it?
At Walterpack, designers of plastic solutions, we delve deeply into the raw materials of plastics, their history, and their environmental impact. You’ll be amazed by everything behind this everyday material.
What is plastic?
Plastic is a **synthetic material composed of polymers**, which are long chains of molecules. These polymers are formed through a process called polymerization, where individual molecules, known as monomers, bond together to create a larger structure.
This compound has the ability to be easily molded under heat and pressure, allowing its use in a wide range of products.
There are two main types of plastics:
- **Thermoplastics**: can be melted and reshaped repeatedly.
- **Thermosets**: permanently harden after being molded and cannot be remelted.
A brief history of plastic production
Plastic production began in the 19th century with the **invention of Bakelite in 1907**, considered the first fully synthetic plastic. It was created by Belgian chemist **Leo Baekeland** as a substitute for natural materials like ivory, wood, or bone.
However, it wasn’t until after World War II that plastic became a widely used material.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the plastic industry grew exponentially, with the introduction of new types like polyethylene and polypropylene, derived from petroleum and natural gas. These polymers became essential materials due to their durability, lightweight, and low production cost.
What raw materials are used to make plastic?
Plastic predominantly comes from **fossil resources**, such as petroleum and natural gas. These resources are processed and refined to extract the components used in plastic production, specifically hydrocarbons.
The raw materials depend on the type of plastic being produced and the desired properties.
Traditional raw materials: petroleum and natural gas
Petroleum is the predominant source, as **4% of global petroleum** is used for plastic production. During refining, hydrocarbons like ethylene and propylene are extracted, which serve as the basic monomers for producing polyethylene and polypropylene.
On the other hand, natural gas also contains hydrocarbons that are processed to produce compounds useful for creating polymers. A common example is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), used in the construction industry.
Alternative raw materials: biodegradable plastics
As awareness grows about the environmental problems caused by traditional materials, **sustainable alternatives** have emerged, such as biodegradable plastics.
These, instead of coming from petroleum or natural gas, are made from renewable raw materials like corn starch, sugarcane, or even plant waste.
They have the ability to decompose more quickly in the environment, making them an attractive option compared to fossil-based plastics, which take hundreds of years to degrade.
Types of plastics and their raw materials
There are many types of plastics, each with **specific properties** and composed of different raw materials.
Here are the most common:
- Polyethylene (PE): the most popular plastic used in bags, bottles, and packaging. Its main raw material is ethylene, derived from petroleum or natural gas.
- Polypropylene (PP): found in food containers, textiles, and automotive products. It comes from propylene, another petroleum derivative.
- Polystyrene (PS): used in packaging and disposable products. It is made from styrene (derived from petroleum).
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): used in construction and made from vinyl chloride, also derived from petroleum.
As you’ve seen throughout the article, the **raw materials for making traditional plastics** mainly come from fossil resources like petroleum and natural gas. However, sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable plastics are gaining ground.
With technological advancements and increasing environmental awareness, it is likely that these polymers will evolve into more environmentally friendly substances.
We hope we’ve answered the question: where does plastic come from? If you have more questions about this sector, we recommend you visit Walterpack’s blog. There, you’ll find the latest news and other interesting articles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s natural to have some more specific questions about the topic. Before we finish, let’s answer the **most common questions** to help you understand it better.
What is the main raw material for plastic?
The main raw material for plastic is **petroleum**, although natural gas is also significantly used. Both resources provide the hydrocarbons necessary for the polymerization of the basic monomers.
Is recycled plastic a good alternative?
Recycled plastic is an increasingly used option to **reduce the use of virgin raw materials** and **decrease environmental pollution**. However, its viability depends on the recycling systems available.
While recycling reduces dependence on petroleum and decreases the amount of waste in ecosystems, not all plastics can be efficiently recycled.
What renewable raw materials are used to make biodegradable plastics?
Biodegradable plastics are made from a wide variety of renewable raw materials, including **corn starch**, **sugarcane**, **cellulose**, and other **agricultural residues**.
These compounds are designed to break down more quickly and naturally in the environment, helping to mitigate the long-term plastic waste problem.
How does using petroleum to make plastic impact the environment?
The process of extracting and refining petroleum generates **greenhouse gas emissions**. Additionally, petroleum-derived products are non-biodegradable and **persist in the environment for centuries**.
This affects wildlife, flora, and has harmful effects on human health through water pollution and the food chain.
