Plastics and the Environment

All products have an impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle. The plastics industry works hard to minimise these impacts. In fact, plastic products offer many environmental benefits that are often overlooked.

Plastics have a very good environmental profile. Only 2% of the world’s crude oil and natural gas production is used for plastics and much less energy is used to produce it compared to other materials. Plastics are durable yet lightweight and save weight in cars, aircraft, packaging and pipework.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are actually many environmental benefits in choosing plastic products. Here are 10 examples of how plastics provide benefits to New Zealand’s economy, environment and society:

1. PLASTICS SAVE ENERGY

All plastics - including plastic bags - account for less than 2% of the crude oil and natural gas consumed annually (USA stats). This represents 20-40% less energy consumption than alternatives.

2. SAVE OUR FRESH AIR

Total air emissions through all stages of production, use and disposal of plastics range between 63% and 73% less than alternative materials.

3. SAVE OUR WATERWAYS

Total waterborne wastes from the manufacture of plastics are approximately 90% less that those created during the manufacture of alternative materials.
 

4. SAVE TRANSPORT COSTS

Approximately seven trucks would be required to deliver the alternative product equivalent to one truckload of plastic bags. And the use of plastic drink bottles on aircraft has resulted in fuel savings of $18,000 a year per aircraft.
 

5. SAVE LANDFILL SPACE

Contrary to a popular misconception, plastics are not a major component of the solid waste stream. Typically, plastics represent only 8% of total solid waste (by weight).

6. HYGIENIC HEALTH CARE

Plastics are essential in modern day healthcare. Plastics products are used in surgery and are critical in reducing the risk of cross infection. These include disposable blood bags, tubing, catheters, syringes, protective gloves, artificial limbs, lifesaving valves.

7. ENHANCE GROWTH

Plastics used in greenhouses, ground film and plant propagation systems increase crop yield and quality by conserving energy in the growing environment and protecting the crop.
 

8. SAFE INSULATION

Almost 100% of electrical energy insulation is provided by plastics, while many buildings rely on plastic insulation to prevent energy loss. Plastic insulation has the lowest thermal conductivity of commonly used materials.
 

9. REDUCE FOOD WASTAGE

Modern packaging techniques have reduced food spoilage and loss to as little as 2%, and plastic packaging used to preserve meat accounts for only 2% of the energy used in producing the meat.
 

10. CREATE MORE JOBS

The New Zealand plastics industry generates a turnover of $1.8 billion a year and employs more than 8000 people.