In-depth understanding of types of plastics and their environmental applications

Plastic, a material closely connected to our daily lives, is widely used in various fields such as packaging, construction, transportation, and electronics due to its lightweight, durability, and ease of processing. However, the widespread use of plastic has also led to environmental pollution issues, particularly the severe impact of traditional plastics that are difficult to degrade on marine ecosystems. To gain a deeper understanding of plastic and promote its environmentally friendly applications, here are some key points:

Types and Characteristics of Plastics

Polyethylene (PE): One of the most common plastics, divided into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). HDPE is commonly used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, etc., while LDPE is used for plastic bags, cling film, etc.
Polypropylene (PP): Used for food containers, straws, bottle caps, etc., with high heat resistance.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Commonly used for pipes, flooring materials, raincoats, etc., but has significant environmental controversy due to the potential release of harmful substances during its production.
Polystyrene (PS): Divided into expanded polystyrene (EPS, such as foam takeout boxes) and general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS, such as toys, CD cases).
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Mainly used for beverage bottles and is one of the more common recyclable plastics.

Development of Eco-friendly Plastics

In response to the environmental issues caused by traditional plastics, the research and application of eco-friendly plastics are increasingly being emphasized. Eco-friendly plastics mainly include three categories: bio-based plastics, biodegradable plastics, and recyclable plastics.

Bio-based Plastics: Made from renewable resources (such as corn starch, sugarcane, etc.), reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Biodegradable Plastics: Can be decomposed by microorganisms in the natural environment, reducing pollution to the environment. Currently, there are various biodegradable plastic products on the market, such as PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), etc.
Recyclable Plastics: By recycling and reusing, it reduces the generation of plastic waste. Improving the recycling rate and circular utilization rate of plastics is key to achieving sustainable development in the plastic industry.

Advocating Rational Use and Recycling

The public should raise environmental awareness, use plastic products rationally, reduce the use of single-use plastics, and actively participate in plastic recycling activities. Governments, enterprises, and communities should also strengthen the construction of plastic recycling systems to improve recycling efficiency and promote the development of a circular economy for plastics.

Keywords: PBT