Plastics

Types, Production and Usage

A Comprehensive Overview
Understanding Modern Plastic Materials
and Their Impact
June 2025
 Group One
Lydia Korley
Desmond Osei-Tutu
Mercy Mawunyo Apaw
Content

• Plastics
• Definition
• Characteristics
• Production Processes
• Types
• Application and usage
• Conclusion
 Introduction to Plastic
What are Plastics?
Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic materials made from polymers; large molecules composed of repeated
subunits called monomers. These versatile materials have revolutionized modern life due to their unique
properties (Doki et., 2024)
Key Characteristics
• Lightweight: Significantly lighter than metals and glass
• Durable: Resistant to corrosion and chemical degradation
• Moldable: Can be shaped into complex forms
• Cost-effective: Relatively inexpensive to produce
• Versatile: Wide range of properties and applications

367 M
70 +
Metric Tons Produced Globally as at 2023
Years of commercial Use
(Statista., 2024)
 Global Plastic Production
Current Production Landscape
445 M 32 % 17 %
400 M
Projected Production China’s Share of North America’s
Metric Tons of Plastic
2023 (Metric Tons) Global Production Production Share
Waste (2024) [3]
(Statista., 2024) (Statista., 2024) (Statista ., 2024)
Production Trends
•Global plastic production has doubled in the last two decades. (Statista ., 2024).
•Asia-Pacific region dominates production, led by China (Statista ., 2024).
•Thermoplastics account for the majority of production. (Europe (2024).
•Production is expected to continue growing despite environmental concerns (Doki et.,
2024)

Future Projections: Global plastics consumption is estimated to range between 594 Mt and
1018 Mt by 2050, highlighting the continued growth in plastic demand worldwide (Doki et.,
2024).
 Plastic Production Processes
From Raw Material to Finished Product
1. Raw Materials
• Petroleum-based: Most common source (crude oil, natural gas)
• Bio-based: From renewable sources (corn, sugarcane)
• Recycled: Post-consumer and post-industrial waste

2. Processing Methods
• Injection Molding: Melted plastic injected into molds
• Extrusion: Continuous shaping through dies
• Blow Molding: Hollow objects like bottles
• Thermoforming: Heating and shaping plastic sheets
• Rotational Molding: Large hollow objects

3. Polymerization
• Addition Polymerization: Monomers add together (e.g., polyethylene, polystyrene)
• Condensation Polymerization: Monomers combine with elimination of small molecules (e.g., PET, nylon)
 Global Plastic Production
The 7 Standard Plastic Type
Plastics are classified using the resin identification code system, with numbers 1-7 indicating different polymer
types Stewart, J. H. (2024). :
1 2
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Uses: Water bottles, food Uses: Milk jugs, detergent bottles,
containers, clothing fibers pipes
Properties: Clear, lightweight, Properties: Chemical resistant,
recyclable durable

3 4

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) LDPE (Low-Density

Uses: Pipes, medical devices, Polyethylene)
credit cards Uses: Plastic bags, squeeze
Properties: Rigid or flexible, bottles, films
chemical resistant Properties: Flexible, transparent
 Classification of Plastics Continued
5 6 7

PP (Polypropylene) PS (Polystyrene) Other Plastics

Uses: Food containers, bottle Uses: Disposable cups, foam Includes: PC (Polycarbonate),
caps, automotive parts packaging, insulation ABS, Nylon
Properties: Heat resistant, Properties: Lightweight, Uses: Electronics, automotive,
chemical resistant insulating specialized applications

Key Points
•PVC is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic polymer, with about 40 million
tons produced annually according to Coughlin, M. (2025)
•Each plastic type has unique properties suited for specific applications (Juste, I. 2024)
•Recycling codes help consumers identify and sort plastics properly (Stewart, J. H. 2024).
•Not all plastic types are equally recyclable. (Ritchie et al., 2023)
 Plastic Application and Usage
Major Application Sectors (Europe
(2024) )

20% 25%
40% 15%
Building & Other
Packaging Automotive
Construction Applications

Detailed Applications
• Packaging: Food containers, bottles, films, protective packaging
• Construction: Pipes, insulation, windows, roofing materials
• Automotive: Interior components, bumpers, fuel systems
• Electronics: Casings, connectors, circuit boards
• Medical: Syringes, implants, disposable equipment
• Textiles: Synthetic fibers, outdoor gear, carpets
• Consumer Goods: Toys, household items, furniture
 Conclusion
Key Takeaways
•Ubiquitous Material: Plastics are integral to modern life across all sectors
•Diverse Applications: Seven main types serve different functions
•Growing Production: China accounts for 32% of global production with continued growth expected
(Statista 2024).
•Environmental Challenge: 220 million tonnes of plastic waste generated in 2024 requires urgen
Moving Forward
The future of plastics lies in balancing functionality with sustainability.
Key focus areas include:
• Developing biodegradable and bio-based alternatives
• Improving recycling technologies and infrastructure
• Implementing circular economy principles
• Reducing single-use applications
• Enhancing material design for recyclability
References
1. Dokl, M., Copot, A., Krajnc, D., Van Fan, Y., Vujanović, A., Aviso, K. B., ... & Čuček, L. (2024). Global projections of plastic use, e
of-life fate and potential changes in consumption, reduction, recycling and replacement with bioplastics to 2050. Sustainable
Production and Consumption, 51, 498-518.
2. Statista (2024). "Global plastic production statistics" - Industry Analysis Report, Updated June 2024
3. Break Free From Plastic (April 2024). "New Research Confirms Plastic Production Is Directly Linked to
Plastic Pollution" - Environmental Research Publication
4. Ritchie, H., Samborska, V., & Roser, M. (2023, November). Plastic Pollution. Our World in Data. Oxford Martin School.
https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution
5. Plastics Europe (2024). "Plastics – the Fast Facts 2024" - European Plastics Industry Association Annu
Report
6. Stewart, J. H. (2024). The plastics crisis: responsible recycling in civil engineering and infrastructure (Doctoral dissertation,
Mississippi State University).
7. Plastics For Change (November 2023). "The 7 Different Types of Plastic" - Environmental Impact Stud
8. Juste, I. (2024, January 8). What are the 7 types of plastic? thedailyECO.
https://www.thedailyeco.com/what-are-the-7-types-of-plastic-461.html
9. Quality Logo Products (June 2024). "Types of Plastic - Promotional Products Blog" - Industry Technical
Guide
10. Coughlin, M. (2025). Caring for Plastics in Collections. Taylor & Francis.
THANK
YOU