A brief outline of the history of plastics

The development of plastics began with the use of natural materials with plastic properties such as rubber, which is obtained from milky tree sap. The name "rubber" first became established for this material. Later, this was heated, sulfur was added and hard rubber was obtained.

In 1872, the first industrially produced plastic was introduced to the market under the name Bakelite. It consisted of a processed phenolic resin and was also suitable as an electrical insulator. It was therefore used, among other things, in the then burgeoning electrical industry, for example as housings.

When the German chemist Hermann Staudinger invented polymer chemistry around 1920, plastics production really took off. Around 1930, nylon, Teflon, silicone and the artificially produced version of rubber were developed.

Around the time of World War II, the conservation of natural resources became a priority for the most developed countries in the world, such as the USA. As a result, synthetic alternatives to these resources were prioritized for production and plastics became the number one alternative. Plastic production in the United States increased by 300% at that time. The new plastic star "nylon" was used for parachutes, ropes and helmets.

In the 1960s, it became clear that the initial euphoria about the new plastics also had its downsides. When plastic waste suddenly appeared in the ocean, it triggered concerns about environmental pollution and excessive use of plastics in the years that followed.

Since around 1990, intensive research has been conducted into compostable, disposable plastics.

Plastic production in 4 steps

Plastics are derived from natural organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and mainly petroleum. Simply explained, 4 steps are necessary to turn petroleum into plastic.

1. obtaining raw materials (such as crude oil or natural gas).

2. breaking down the crude oil into crude gasoline, which is the starting product for making plastic.

3. many small molecules are linked together by heating or exposure to light to form a large polymer.

4. forming the plastic.

More about plastic:

Interesting facts about polymers:

Synthetic polymers are made of long atomic chains, often many times longer than those found in nature, making them strong, light and flexible.

These properties made synthetic polymers useful, and because we can easily make and manipulate them, they have become an essential part of our daily lives.

It takes a lot of water to make plastic. One kilo of the plastic polyethylene (HDPE) requires 10 liters . Plastic production also consumes a relatively large amount of energy. Nevertheless, the cost-benefit ratio is usually in favor of plastic, because 1 kg of glass, for example, can be used to produce a maximum of three 1-liter beverage bottles, while 1 kg of plastic can be used to produce 20 bottles with the same filling volume.

Use of plastic

Due to its low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility and ability to not let water through, plastics are used in countless products. They have won out over traditional materials such as wood, stone, leather, metal, glass and wood.

Main applications Packaging

The use of plastic in the packaging industry ranges from meat, beverages, oils and sauces, fruits to shampoos and other hygiene products. It is the largest plastic application in the world.

Building & Construction

Plastics are used for pipes, elements in interior design and window frames, among other things. This sector consumes around 10 million tons of plastic in Europe every year (20% of total consumption), making it the second largest application area for plastics after packaging.

Agriculture

In agriculture, plastics are used for greenhouses, crates and components for irrigation systems, among other things.

Mobility & Transportation

Since the 1970s, the use of plastics in aircraft has increased from 4% to around 50%. The average car contains 120 kg of plastic (about 15% of its total weight).

Electronics

Uses range from simple cables to smartphones and most household appliances.

Healthcare

From disposable syringes to intravenous blood bags to heart valves and prostheses: All of this is made from plastic.