The Journey of Plastics: Historical Development, Environmental Challenges, and the Emergence of Bioplastics for Single-Use Products

Adriana Cunha Neves; Jade Stanley; David Culliton; Antonio Jonay Jovani-Sancho

doi:10.3390/eng6010017

The Journey of Plastics: Historical Development, Environmental Challenges, and the Emergence of Bioplastics for Single-Use Products

Adriana Cunha Neves, Jade Stanley, David Culliton, Antonio Jonay Jovani-Sancho

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

This paper explores the historical development of conventional plastics, tracing their evolution from early forms to their pervasive use in modern society. Its observations include the rise of mass plastic production during World War II and the post-war development, showcasing plastics’ economic and societal impact. The environmental repercussions of plastic pollution have led to increased global awareness and calls for sustainable alternatives. The emergence of bioplastics is investigated, including their classification, properties, applications, and challenges in scaling. This paper emphasises the urgency of adopting bioplastics for a sustainable future and discusses efforts towards homogenisation and standardisation across global markets.

Original language	English (Ireland)
Article number	17
Pages (from-to)	6
Number of pages	17
Journal	Eng
Volume	6
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6010017
Publication status	Published - 15 Jan 2025

Keywords

bioplastic
environmental
plastic
plastic pollution

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title = "The Journey of Plastics: Historical Development, Environmental Challenges, and the Emergence of Bioplastics for Single-Use Products",

abstract = "This paper explores the historical development of conventional plastics, tracing their evolution from early forms to their pervasive use in modern society. Its observations include the rise of mass plastic production during World War II and the post-war development, showcasing plastics{\textquoteright} economic and societal impact. The environmental repercussions of plastic pollution have led to increased global awareness and calls for sustainable alternatives. The emergence of bioplastics is investigated, including their classification, properties, applications, and challenges in scaling. This paper emphasises the urgency of adopting bioplastics for a sustainable future and discusses efforts towards homogenisation and standardisation across global markets.",

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The Journey of Plastics: Historical Development, Environmental Challenges, and the Emergence of Bioplastics for Single-Use Products

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Keywords

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