The American report, called Science Advances, says a further 12% of the plastic has been incinerated, but the remainder has entered the environment. Bodies of sea birds were studied and 90% were found to contain plastic debris.
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As a result of the pollution, individuals and businesses are trying to reduce single-use plastics, which are the main cause of environmental damage. There have been significant efforts to reduce plastic consumption, organise litter clean-ups and promote recycling.
Numerous innovative plastic recycling ideas can be used, and companies are now producing everything from children's furniture to a viable fuel source.
Benefits of plastic cars
Now, the latest innovation is the concept of plastic cars. A substance called a polymer - a chemical compound created by bonding a series of elements together - is already being used in the automotive industry. Polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, is used in a variety of applications related to vehicle technology.
It has numerous benefits, including making cars lighter and therefore more efficient. Polymer composites are lightweight, but strong enough to support the body of the car. Reducing a vehicle’s weight by even 10% can improve fuel economy by 8%.
Polymers also make cars cheaper, because plastic-based polymers are so versatile and are far less expensive than metal. They can be injected directly into moulds, reducing the manufacturing costs. Using polymers also enables the unlimited customisation of colours and sheens.
Adding further chemicals can make the final product UV and scratch-resistant. Being able to include these features directly into the vehicle's body reduces the number of required production steps to prepare the car for the market and thus lowers the costs for the customer.
Using polymers can also make cars safer, as they are known for being super-strong and highly heat-tolerant. Both of these features can improve the driver's survival chances in the event of an accident.
With the aim of being more stable conductors within the lithium battery, polymer materials are being tested in electric vehicles. As the technology providing the energy systems in hybrid and electric cars improve, their overall safety rating will improve too.
Industry revolution
Plastics have revolutionised the automotive industry, from high-end sports cars to everyday run-of-the-mill motors. Modern cutting-edge vehicles on display at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show gave visitors a glimpse of how plastic is at the forefront of vehicle innovation.
Plastic has inspired automobile-makers to rethink how they make vehicles and has spurred significant advances in the manufacture, design, safety, performance and fuel efficiency of 21st-century cars.
Advanced plastics have inspired manufacturers and are bringing about changes in the industrial processes. Plastic is suitable for 3D printing, a modern process whereby many layers of material are built up to create an object — in this case, a car part.
The process creates less waste than traditional manufacturing methods that cut away material from a larger piece. It also provides manufacturers with more flexibility to be creative and produce more custom-made vehicles.
Autonomous plastic car
One such car is Olli, created by Local Motors for the Los Angeles Auto Show. The autonomous electric car was made from 3D printed thermoplastics.
The car's passengers are in for a ride like no other, as Olli has advanced cognitive computing capabilities provided by IBM. Ask him for recommendations for great sight-seeing spots, or top restaurants, then sit back and enjoy the ride as Olli takes you there!
The futuristic car is extremely lightweight and is powered efficiently, with multiple parts that can be recycled. Is this the future of eco-friendly transport?
In the not-too-distant past, 3D printing, lightweight aerodynamic car parts and self-driving vehicles may have seemed like something from a sci-fi film but now it's becoming a reality and a fully autonomous public transport vehicle may be just over the horizon!
Solent Plastics stocks a quality range of reusable plastic products. We support the responsible use of sustainable products and recycling to preserve our planet. For enquiries and sales, give us a call on 01794 514478.