In a research report published in the journal Science in 2020, scientists combined information on global plastic processing and flow with models independently developed by the team, predicting that by 2040, about 710 million tons of plastic pollution will enter the environment, including land and sea.
Plastics, Convenience of Life and Environmental Crisis
In 1909, the American Bakeland produced phenolic resin (also known as Bakeland plastic) from phenol and formaldehyde, which was the first completely synthetic plastic in human history. After a hundred years of development, the production technology of plastics continued to improve. Due to its high strength, low weight, good corrosion resistance, insulation, and thermal insulation, plastics have been "favored" by various industries - from household products to aviation, medicine, and other fields, becoming an indispensable part of modern life.
However, with the development of society, people gradually find that plastic products not only bring convenience to human life, but also have a significant impact on the Earth's resources and environment. The traditional plastic production process requires a large amount of water and mineral fuels, and emits harmful gases such as carbon dioxide.
At the same time, due to the stable structure of plastic, it is not easy to be decomposed by natural microorganisms, and will exist in the natural environment for a long time. These plastic products that have been used and discarded by humans can affect the cultivation of farmland soil, pose a threat to animal survival, and even affect human health.
Plastics, Boosting the Road to Sustainable Development
It must be acknowledged that human production and life cannot be separated from plastics. However, due to its negative impact on the environment and resources, people are beginning to think about how to balance the relationship between their own needs and ecology.
In recent years, countries have introduced relevant policies to guide the green and environmentally friendly development of the plastic industry. In September 2015, the United Nations officially adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), three of which require countries to address relevant environmental issues in a comprehensive manner, address climate change, and promote the sustainable development of terrestrial ecosystems and marine resources. In January 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment jointly issued the "Opinions on Further Strengthening the Treatment of Plastic Pollution", proposing to strengthen innovation leadership and scientific and technological support to effectively, orderly, and effectively control plastic pollution.
As one of the pillar industries of the national economy, the plastic industry should respond to social development needs, follow policy guidance, and focus on the harmonious coexistence of the industry and the ecological environment. Relevant enterprises need to actively seek and use environmentally friendly resin materials with low energy consumption and easy degradation as raw materials to minimize the impact of plastic products on resources and the environment.
As a member of the industry, Xinshengda has always focused on relevant environmental issues, and is committed to working with suppliers and customers to reduce the impact on the environment from all aspects of plastic synthesis, processing, application, and treatment, all along the chain. We hope that by providing customers with comprehensive solutions for environmentally friendly materials, we can help customers maximize the demand and balance between product manufacturing and environmental protection, explore industry innovation in environmental protection, and provide protection for the green future of human society.
