TRUTHS ABOUT PLASTIC: LET'S TALK FACTS WITH DATA
Plastic is one of the indispensable materials of modern life. However, it is sometimes discussed in public with incomplete or misleading information. Yet, when produced correctly, used consciously, and effectively recycled, plastic offers strong contributions to environmental sustainability.
In this column, going beyond common perceptions about plastic, we address the role of plastic in the environment, economy, and human life with scientific data, comparative analyses, and industry facts. Because we believe the solution is not in judging, but in understanding and correct implementation.
Are you ready to discover together what plastic is capable of when used correctly?
Single-use plastic bags conserve water resources
With the effects of global warming, the importance of water resources in the world is increasing day by day. At this point, the environmental advantages of single-use plastic bags also stand out. While an average of 3,785 liters of water is consumed for the production of 1000 paper bags, the same number of polyethylene plastic bags can be produced with only 30 liters of water. This means a significant saving in water consumption.
The unbearable lightness of plastic
If plastic packaging were not used, the average weight of packaging would quadruple, the energy required for production would double, and packaging volume would increase 2.5 times. Thanks to their lightness, plastics provide significant advantages in both production and transportation.
Great energy savings with plastic
According to a 1992 study, American manufacturers saved 336 trillion BTU of energy thanks to the use of plastic packaging. This amount means energy equivalent to 58 million barrels of oil, 9.2 billion m³ of natural gas, or 14.5 million tons of coal.
Plastic is more environmentally friendly in terms of solid waste
Plastic bags also offer a more environmentally friendly option compared to paper bags in terms of solid waste generation. While 1000 plastic bags generate 4.7 kg of solid waste, the same number of paper bags cause approximately 33.9 kg of waste. This means about 7 times more waste.
Next-generation efficiency in plastic light bulbs
Developed by US scientists, new generation light bulbs made of plastic layers offer flicker-free, more efficient, and higher quality light. These bulbs, containing three layers of polymer, provide longer-lasting and environmentally friendly lighting thanks to nanomaterials that glow with electric current inside them.
The star of recycling: Plastic
Within the scope of the globally adopted 3R approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), plastic stands out with its advantages in recycling. While paper can only be recycled 5 times, plastic can be recycled many times. Furthermore, the recycling of plastics occurs at much lower temperatures (120–200°C) compared to materials like aluminum (650°C) and glass (1400°C).
Ideal material in construction: Plastic
Plastics have become an ideal material in the construction sector due to their durability, lightness, flexibility, and low maintenance costs. Approximately 20% of plastics used in Europe are utilized in the construction sector. In many areas such as exterior cladding, window frames, water and thermal insulation systems, plastic materials offer long-lasting, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions.
Plastic will be recycled, Turkey will win
On average, 14,000 kWh of energy can be saved by recycling 1 ton of plastic packaging waste. Across Turkey, this potential can reach approximately 4 million MWh annually. Plastic recycling not only provides energy savings but also contributes directly to the economy and serves environmental sustainability.
Easy access to clean water with plastic pipes
Access to clean water sources is a major problem in underdeveloped countries. Today, 35% of deaths worldwide are caused by the consumption of contaminated water. Thanks to lightweight, durable, and economical plastic pipes, millions of people can access clean water more easily. This means a great gain in terms of health, quality of life, and community well-being.
Efficiency in agriculture triples with plastic
Thanks to products like plastic pipes used in agricultural production, drip irrigation systems, and greenhouse covers, efficiency can increase up to three times. Irrigation systems made with plastic materials deliver water directly to the roots, preventing waste and making agriculture resistant to drought.
Energy and environmentally friendly buildings with plastic insulation
Plastic-based insulation materials used in buildings provide energy efficiency by reducing heat loss by 70%. This means both a 40–60% saving in heating and cooling costs and a 10 to 40-fold reduction in CO₂ emissions. Warmer winters, cooler summers, and more livable cities are possible with plastic.
Fuel saving and long range in the air with plastic
The use of plastic composites in the aircraft industry is increasing. For example, plastic fiber composites used in the Airbus A380 aircraft reduce the aircraft's weight by 1.5 tons. This allows the aircraft to travel longer distances with the same fuel and carry more passengers. The proportion of plastic used in aircraft has reached 50%, which means fuel savings of up to 50%.
Conclusion: Plastic simplifies life, protects the future
Plastic has become indispensable in modern life with the solutions it offers in many areas such as energy saving, environmental protection, water management, recycling, agriculture, construction, and transportation. When used correctly and effectively recycled, plastic is not just a material, but a key to a sustainable future.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.