What are some of the uses of plastics? (2024)

FAQs

What are some of the uses of plastics? ›

Plastic is used across almost every sector, including to produce packaging, in building and construction, in textiles, consumer products, transportation, electrical and electronics and industrial machinery.

Many things around us are made of Plastics. For example Polythene, toys, bags, chairs, tables, boxes etc. There are some well-known Plastics around us. They are polypropylene (chair, tables etc), polystyrene(Plastic spoons & forks, cups etc), polyamide (usually known as nylon) used in toothbrushes, car parts etc.

Single-use plastics are most commonly used for packaging and serviceware, such as bottles, wrappers, straws, and bags. Though plastic—a chain of synthetic polymers, essentially—was invented in the mid-19th century, it wasn't until the 1970s that its popularity skyrocketed.

The catering and food industry is also in constant demand of plastic waste bags and food storage bags, which are most often made of LDPE, polyamide and polypropylene. Plastics (polyethylene, PVC, Teflons, silicones) are also useful for making kitchen accessories, household appliances, dishes, trays and even furniture.

Studies show that people around the world buy a total of one million plastic bottles per minute. That's almost 1.5 billion plastic bottles per day!

#7 plastics are not for reuse, unless they have the PLA compostable coding. When possible it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children's food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA.

Versatile plastics inspire countless innovations that help make life better, healthier and safer every day. Plastics are in products we use every day that help keep us safe. They are in bicycle helmets, child safety seats, and automotive airbags that protect us and the cell phones that connect us.

What are the 3 most common types of plastic used in the world? ›

Plastics labeled number 5 are polypropylene, or PP, which can be used to make yogurt containers and other dairy product tubs, according to the conservation department. Polystyrene, or PS, is labeled number 6 and can be used to make takeaway containers, coffee cups, insulation and disposable coolers.