This paper deals with the omnipresence of plastics as well as its popularity due to its diverse and advantageous properties, while it focuses especially on resulting environmental as well as human health consequences.
Therefore, the material plastic and its key features are introduced initially, with a special reference to plastic carrier bags that offer consumers primarily convenience. In addition, a general overview of the prospering plastic industry is given.
The paper aims to answer the question of whether the development of plastics can be described as sustainable at present – or whether it is supposed to become sustainable in the near future. Hence, the European waste hierarchy will be examined precisely, which reveals current processing of plastic waste. Afterwards, ecological and social externalities, as well as related market failures are outlined. While opting for solutions, variations of market instruments are applied to plastic carrier bags that serve as a potent example. In contrast to the classical theory that targets on the reduction of plastic waste itself, the Cradle-to-Cradle model takes a different approach. It promotes to rethink the design of plastic products in order to keep them in a continuous life cycle instead of focusing exclusively on the reduction of post-consumer plastic waste.
Table of Contents
1 Plastics Society – Introduction
1.1 Research Identification
1.2 Definition of Sustainability
2 Plastics Development
2.1 Plastic Facts
2.1.1 Bioplastic
2.2 Plastic Industry
2.2.1 Packaging Industry
2.2.2 Plastic Bags
2.3 Waste Hierarchy
2.4 Plastic Waste Markets
2.4.1 Plastic Waste Management in Germany
2.5 Marine Litter and Human Health Risks
2.6 Problem Definition and Market Failures
3 Solutions for a Sustainable Development
3.1 Viewpoints – Plastic Industry and European Union
3.2 Classical Theory – Market Instruments
3.3 Environmental Theory
3.3.1 Life Cycle Assessment
3.3.2 Cyclic–Economy
3.3.3 Cradle–to–Cradle
3.3.5 Practial Examples
4 Conclusion and Outlook
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates the inherent conflict between the rapid growth of the global plastics industry and the requirement for sustainable development. By analyzing the environmental and human health impacts of plastic, particularly focusing on plastic carrier bags, the research examines whether existing regulatory frameworks and market mechanisms are sufficient or if a fundamental shift towards circular design models, such as the Cradle-to-Cradle approach, is required.
- The environmental and health consequences of plastic accumulation and chemical additives.
- The efficacy of the European waste hierarchy and current waste management practices.
- Market failures that contribute to the low intrinsic value and excessive consumption of disposable plastics.
- The evaluation of economic instruments, such as levies and bans, as feasible short-term solutions.
- The necessity of redesigning products and systems to enable a continuous life cycle.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Plastic Facts
Bakelite was considered to be the first synthetic polymer in 1907. From then on the plastic industry has experienced a rapid growth, especially between the 1940th and 1950th (Thompson, et al., 2009a: 1973). Nowadays, the favorable properties and benefits of plastics are undeniable, thus, the material has become indispensable. Low weight allows for energy savings, especially in beverages, packaging, and production of airplanes and automobiles, while packaging contributes to material conservation. Inexpensive production, particularly by taking into account huge mass production and inexpensive resources for plastic, enables a corresponding low product price. Low prices and versatility both lead to a widespread use of plastic in the medical sector, e.g. for health appliances, where plastic has become highly beneficial (Andrady & Neal, 2009: 1980–1982). Thus, disposable medical devices consist mostly of plastic that has shown to be an indispensable material for this purpose. Hence, demand for plastic is growing in the medical sector. Also, plastic makes even technological innovations possible, thus it is widely used in entertainment sectors, constructions, household appliances, clothing, and nowadays even in care products and foods2. These characteristics accelerate popularity and proliferation of plastic. Additionally, plastics “…offer a lot of value for money…” in comparison to alternatives (Wurpel, et al., 2011: 23). Thus, it contributes to innumerable benefits for mankind. But there exists a distinction between the vital use in the medical sector and unnecessary wastage of disposable plastic that serves the convenient consumer society. Therefore, plastic in medical field will not be considered, rather will this paper focuse on consumer goods (North & Halden, 2009: 2-4).
Summary of Chapters
1 Plastics Society – Introduction: This chapter introduces the societal dependency on plastics and identifies the research problem, focusing on the environmental impact of consumer-driven waste.
2 Plastics Development: This section details the history, growth, and industrial applications of plastic, while highlighting the negative externalities and waste management challenges associated with current production models.
3 Solutions for a Sustainable Development: This chapter analyzes various strategies to mitigate plastic-related damage, including market-based instruments, environmental theories, and circular design approaches like Cradle-to-Cradle.
4 Conclusion and Outlook: The final chapter summarizes the findings, emphasizing the need for systemic redesign, interdisciplinary cooperation, and better transparency to foster a sustainable future.
Keywords
Plastic Waste, Externalities, Sustainable Development, Market Instruments, Cradle to Cradle, Marine Litter, Plastic Industry, Packaging, Circular Economy, Waste Hierarchy, Chemical Additives, Sustainability, Product Design, Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper fundamentally deals with the omnipresence of plastic, its rapid industrial development, and the environmental and human health consequences arising from its high consumption and waste, specifically regarding single-use applications like carrier bags.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in the study?
The core themes include the life cycle of plastic products, the limitations of current waste management, market failures, economic policy instruments, and alternative design philosophies like the Cradle-to-Cradle model.
What is the main research question or goal?
The research aims to determine whether the current development of the plastics industry is sustainable and to identify which measures are feasible to alleviate social and ecological damage, either through national or European-level interventions.
Which scientific methods are applied to analyze the problem?
The study employs a theoretical review of environmental economics, life cycle assessment (LCA) principles, and an analysis of current European regulatory frameworks and waste management data to assess the viability of different sustainability solutions.
What content is discussed in the main part of the paper?
The main part covers the technical properties of plastic, the structure of the plastic industry, the global issue of marine litter, the health risks of chemical additives like BPA, and the effectiveness of diverse market instruments like taxes and bans.
How are the key terms defining this work characterized?
The work is characterized by terms reflecting both the problem (e.g., Plastic Waste, Externalities, Marine Litter) and the proposed solutions (e.g., Sustainable Development, Cradle to Cradle, Circular Economy).
How does the author evaluate the "Cradle-to-Cradle" approach compared to traditional recycling?
The author argues that while traditional recycling often leads to "down-cycling" and increased contamination, the Cradle-to-Cradle model promotes superior product design that allows materials to remain in continuous biological or technical cycles without losing value.
What specific role does the European Union play in the proposed solutions?
The author views the European Union as a critical legislative body that can harmonize national measures, set prevention targets, and create necessary transparency through directives, while acknowledging that national or regional adaptations remain important.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2014, Plastics Society. Has Plastic the Potential to be Sustainable?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/909638
