November 11, 2008
Plastic Not Going Anywhere
By Jorina Fontelera
Despite the outcry against plastics, recent studies show that the plastics industry will continue to thrive and introduce technological advancements along the way.
Plastic is everywhere. From grocery bags to water bottles to dashboards to airplanes, plastic is entrenched in our daily lives. Plastic makes our lives safer and more convenient, but it also drains petrol reserves and tops-up landfills.
Approximately 7.1 billion pounds, or 76 percent, of plastic bottles in the United States ended up in landfills in 2007. That same year, Americans consumed more than 29 million tons of plastic but recycled a paltry 2 million tons (7 percent). (Source: The Boston Globe)
Because of environmental issues and health concerns, plastic has gotten a bad rap lately. In 2008, the plastics industry faced approximately 400 pieces of anti-plastic legislation in the U.S., according to the Boston Globe.
How long will the negativity towards plastics keep up? How will it affect the future of the plastics industry? Are people really going to cut back on plastic use?
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Currently, several cities and even entire countries have imposed or are considering bans and taxation on plastic bag use: China passed a ban on plastic bags under 0.025mm thick in January and effectively shuttered the country's biggest plastic bag manufacturer, which used to produce 250,000 tons of bags annually; Ireland imposed a tax on plastic bags in 2002; Australia plans to impose a ban this year; and 33 London councils are planning on banning ultra-thin bags and taxing other plastic bags in 2009, The Guardian reports.
In the U.S., San Francisco banned plastic bags last year and New York City requires shops by law to provide bins for recycling plastic bags. In January 2009, Seattle will charge a 20-cent fee on plastic bags.
Yet, while the passing of more anti-plastics legislation would certainly put a wrinkle in the plastics industry, demand for plastics is not exactly diminishing.
By 2010, the plastic film and sheets market is expected to expand to 50.8 million tons, Global Industry Analysts, Inc. says. And according to a July study by the Freedonia Group, plastic film demand in the U.S. is projected to grow 2.6 percent annually to more than 16 billion lb. through 2012 and have a market value of nearly $32 billion.
For all the bans and taxes, plastic film use for retail bags and stretch and shrink wrap is anticipated to grow most rapidly, the research firm estimates.
Read the whole of this interesting article here
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