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    The Age of Plastic

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    dharvi07garg

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    The Age of Plastic

    Uploaded by

    dharvi07garg
    3 views2 pages

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    3 views2 pages

    The Age of Plastic

    Uploaded by

    dharvi07garg

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    The Age of Plastic-Why we need to change

    Traditional Packaging Materials vs. Current Packaging Materials

    1. Toothpaste:
    o Traditional Packaging:
     Material: Metal tubes (often made from tin or aluminium).
     Reason: Metal tubes were durable and could keep the toothpaste fresh.
    o Current Packaging:
     Material: Plastic tubes (often made from multi-layered plastics).
     Reason: Plastic is cheaper, lightweight, and easier to produce in various sizes.
    2. Soap:
    o Traditional Packaging:
     Material: Paper wraps or cardboard boxes.
     Reason: Paper and cardboard are biodegradable and can protect soap from contamination.
    o Current Packaging:
     Material: Plastic wraps or containers.
     Reason: Plastic provides better moisture resistance and can be moulded into various shapes.
    3. Shampoo:
    o Traditional Packaging:
     Material: Glass bottles.
     Reason: Glass is impermeable and preserves the product without chemical interaction.
    o Current Packaging:
     Material: Plastic bottles.
     Reason: Plastic bottles are lighter, less prone to breakage, and cheaper to transport.
    4. Body Scrubbers:
    o Traditional Packaging:
     Material: Natural materials like loofah, packed in paper.
     Reason: Loofahs are biodegradable and paper is environmentally friendly.
    o Current Packaging:
     Material: Synthetic materials (like nylon) and plastic packaging.
     Reason: Synthetic materials are durable, and plastic packaging is water-resistant.

    The Rise of Plastic Packaging

    When and How Plastics Replaced Traditional Materials:


     1940s-1950s: The development of polyethylene and other plastics during WWII led to
    a surge in plastic production. Post-war, plastics were marketed as versatile and
    superior to traditional materials.
     1960s-1970s: Increased production capabilities and the rise of consumerism saw
    plastics become the go-to material for packaging due to their cost-effectiveness and
    versatility.
     1980s-Present: Advances in plastic manufacturing technologies have made it
    possible to create a wide range of plastic packaging, further embedding plastic in
    everyday life.

    Environmental Impact of Plastic Packaging

    1. Waste Accumulation:
    o Plastic waste is non-biodegradable and accumulates in landfills and oceans,
    causing long-term pollution.
    2. Wildlife Harm:
    o Animals ingest or get entangled in plastic waste, leading to injuries or death.
    3. Resource Depletion:
    o Plastics are made from petrochemicals, depleting non-renewable resources.
    4. Chemical Pollution:
    o Plastics release harmful chemicals during production and degradation,
    affecting ecosystems and human health.

    Why We Need to Change

    1. Sustainability:
    o Shifting to biodegradable and sustainable materials reduces environmental
    footprint.
    2. Resource Conservation:
    o Using renewable resources for packaging helps conserve non-renewable
    resources.
    3. Health Benefits:
    o Reducing plastic use lowers exposure to harmful chemicals associated with
    plastic production and degradation.
    4. Waste Reduction:
    o Biodegradable and recyclable materials help in managing waste more
    effectively.

    References

    1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)


    2. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
    3. National Geographic
    4. History of Packaging by the Packaging History Institute
    5. Plastic Pollution Coalition

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