Maximizing Value and Minimizing Waste in a Circular Plastics Economy

Most Americans have concerns about the pollution and waste associated with plastic use, most notably single-use plastics like water bottles. However, calls to restrict plastic production and consumption would likely backfire, resulting in higher consumer costs and worse environmental outcomes. Instead, addressing the root cause of plastic pollution and driving innovation will maximize plastic’s value while shrinking its environmental footprint. 

From everyday conveniences to life-saving technologies, plastics are omnipresent in our lives. Every sector uses plastics as a building block for its products because they are lightweight, malleable, affordable, and durable. Plastics help extend the shelf life of groceries, help our cars run efficiently, and provide much-needed durability for our phones and laptops. They make homes and offices more energy efficient, saving money and reducing emissions. 

Moreover, plastics’ properties make them ideal for medical applications, such as components in life-saving medical devices like pacemakers and incubators. Medical-grade plastics are heat, moisture, and chemical-resistant, making them highly reliable during repeated sterilization.