Plastic

Plastic remains one of the most transformative and controversial materials in consumer goods production. What makes plastics particularly significant is their unparalleled versatility - they can be engineered for virtually any combination of flexibility, durability, transparency, color, and cost-effectiveness. This synthetic material category encompasses thousands of formulations, from widely used polyethylene and polypropylene to specialized engineering plastics like polycarbonate and PEEK (polyether ether ketone) for demanding applications. In consumer goods, plastics appear in everything from packaging and electronics to furniture, toys, and countless everyday items. Recent innovations focus on addressing environmental concerns through biodegradable formulations derived from plant-based sources, advanced recycling technologies that maintain material quality, and plastic alternatives made from agricultural waste. As society grapples with plastic pollution, the industry is undergoing a transformation toward more circular models where plastic products are designed for disassembly, recycling, or composting, indicating that this relatively young material category continues to evolve in response to changing environmental priorities and consumer expectations.