Why Plastic is Fantastic

Plastics are among the most versatile materials on the planet. They can meet just about any requirement as they're durable, versatile and available in a large selection of colours and shapes.

What's more, the industry is playing a vital role in arresting climate change, consuming only 4% of the world's oil production for feedstock. Compared with metals, paper and glass, plastic production isn't energy-intensive, and plastics products contribute to energy conservation and power safety.

You might be surprised to learn that lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastics account for 22% of the materials used in manufacturing the Airbus A380 double-decker aircraft - saving fuel and reducing operating costs by 15%.

Using plastics in car production also creates fuel savings: a car weighing 1,000kg that's manufactured with 105kg of plastics (instead of traditional materials) can potentially save 750 litres of fuel during its lifespan of 90,000 miles. Based on the number of vehicles in the European Union, oil consumption can be reduced by 12 million tonnes and thus CO2 emissions can be cut by 30 million tonnes.

Leading vehicle manufacturers are taking advantage of the benefits afforded by plastics - for example, the BMW 6-series coupe manufactures its rear boot lid from composites and the front wings from thermoplastics, saving 100 kilos in weight.

In the construction industry, expanded polystyrene insulation plays a vital role in the heating and cooling of buildings, accounting for 50% of Europe's total energy consumption. In addition, PVC-U double glazed doors and windows are vital as an energy-efficient method in homes, providing a minimum 35-year lifespan. The Building Research Establishment's Green Guide gives PVC-U windows an A-rating.

As plastics don't conduct electricity, PVC is commonly used as insulation for wiring, with thermosets used for light fittings, switches and handles. The durability and flexibility of plastic pipes prevents water leaks - hence 772 miles of London's old, cracked Victorian water mains are being replaced with modern, blue plastic pipes.

In terms of packaging materials: well, without plastics the packaging weight of an item could increase by up to 400%, with production costs and energy costs doubling and material wastage increasing by 150%. A plastic carrier bag weighs six times less than a bag made from an alternative material, and using plastic bottles rather than glass alternatives saves up to 40% in fuel costs and creates less transport pollution, due to the reduced weight of the load.

Renewable energies also rely on plastics for applications such as solar panels, pipes, wind turbines and rotors, while modern plastic processing machinery - known as injection moulding - uses between 20% and 50% less energy than the comparable machinery used 10 years ago.

In terms of recycling plastic is hard to beat, as plastics can be recycled usually up to six times. They can also go to Energy from Waste, where they can be converted into power. This is achieved through incineration, providing vital home-grown energy and avoiding expensive imports. There's never any need to send used plastics to landfill sites, as they're a valuable resource.

Recycled High Density Polyethylene is used for the manufacture of pots, crates, pipes and other moulded products, while the recovered film can be recycled into bags, sacks and damp-proof membranes. Used PVC from the UK construction industry is recycled into window frames, conduits, pipes, safety products and flooring.

Since its invention, plastic has provided many advances in industry and enhancements to our way of life. It has become a perfect material for hundreds of items used not only by consumers, but also by industries including aeronautics, electronics, construction, energy conservation, packaging, transportation, scientific components and more.

If you have any storage dilemmas, we know our boxes! Solent Plastics offers expert advice and we are confident that we can provide the perfect plastic storage solutions for your every requirement - available for delivery nationwide and worldwide.

We combine fast quotes, bulk discounts and great service. Please contact us for further details.

Plastic sure is fantastic!