The Impact of Plastic Waste: Solutions, Effects, and Future Trends

Introduction:

Plastics have revolutionized numerous industries and people's lives due to their unique properties. Due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and durability, it instantly became famous among industries and people. The global annual production of plastics is more than 359 million tons. But its negative impact is crucial to understand for better living.

Plastic waste is one of the most challenging problems that arise in our era. From the beginning of mass production in 1950, there was an increase in plastic manufacturing and use. This leads to the spread of plastics and microplastics everywhere uncontrollably. The inconspicuous plastic particles are still threatening our environment and health.

Plastics degrade in micro and nano-sized particles that are easy to spread in air, water, and soil. Tiny particles of plastics are called microplastics and are the real cause of severe diseases and environmental issues. These microplastics are less than 5 millimeters in size and are intentionally added to cosmetic and cleaning products. Thus it creates a negative impact on both terrestrial and aquatic animals. 

People are facing problems like ingestion, entangling, ulcers, low reproduction, oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, cancer, etc.

Understanding Plastic waste and its impact

Plastic wastes are now becoming a global environmental crisis with millions of tons of plastics ending up in landfills, oceans, and natural habitats each year. Plastic is widely known as a synthetic polymer made of polymerization of monomers like ethylene and propylene. It negatively affects the ecosystem, making it necessary to spread awareness and action.

Origin and types of plastic waste

Plastics are manufactured using lightweight monomers by polymerizing them. Industries add many additives like fillers, plasticizers, pigments, foaming agents, processing aids, lubricants, heat stabilizers, acid scavengers, anti-oxidants, UV stabilizers, and antistatic agents to maintain and improve their properties.

The plastic industry in 2024 is characterized by high production and consumption levels.

Plastics are significantly used in single-use plastics, packaging, and industrial products.

These are the prominent sources of plastic waste. 

Plastic wastes include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, each with its environmental footprint.

Types of plastic waste:

1. Single-use plastics: These plastics are designed to be used once and discarded. These are typically lightweight and contribute to plastic waste due to their short life span. For example: straws, plastic carry bags, etc.

2. Packaging waste: It refers to those materials that are used to enclose or protect during shipping and storage. 

3. Industrial plastics: These include products that are used in manufacturing processes such as tubings, plastic pallets and containers, etc.

4. Construction plastics: Construction plastics are used in Buildings and tower construction. For example: PVC pipes, Insulation materials, roofing and siding material, etc.

Environmental Impact:

Each type of plastic waste has its environmental effect. Sometimes it can pose challenges for recycling and management. Plastic waste contributes to soil and water contamination. It disrupts marine ecosystems and becomes the main reason behind the extinction of wildlife species.

Since most of the plastics are used in land areas, it affects terrestrials more. For instance, Agricultural plastic wastes such as polytunnel plastic firms, wrapping, and packaging materials are highly available as plastic wastes. These plastics gradually break into microplastics and attain the ability to live in soil for the next 15 years. In addition to this disguise, illegal dumping activity and direct input of waste increase plastic contamination in soil and air.

Apart from land, freshwater streams like rivers, lakes, dams, and urban drainage are also contaminated. It is observed that rivers are the main source that carries plastic waste. According to a survey conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme around 1,000 rivers are responsible for 80% plastic debris in the river. There are nearly 150 million metric tons of plastic debris in the oceans. By 2025, it is estimated to reach around 250 million metric tons if current trends continue.

Health Implications:

Microplastics are one of the most evil particles in the human body. It has been found in food and water. These particles pose health risks and potentially lead to severe chronic diseases and hormonal imbalances.

It can cause Cancer, reproductive health issues, neurological disorders, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal issues, etc.

Globally, Cancer encounters nearly 10 million deaths annually. The specific death rate directly caused by cancers linked to plastic waste is not well-defined, but it is part of the overall cancer burden.

Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD, contribute to over 3 million deaths worldwide every year. Plastic waste, especially through pollution, worsens these conditions.

Waste Management Techniques

Managing plastic waste effectively is crucial for industries aiming to reduce their environmental impact and comply with regulatory requirements. Here are several strategies that industries can adopt to manage plastic waste:

- Design for Sustainability: Modify product designs to use less plastic or incorporate materials that are easier to recycle or compost. This includes minimizing packaging and using

single-material packaging where possible.

- Process Optimization: Streamline production processes to reduce plastic waste during manufacturing, such as by improving precision in cutting and molding.

- Use Sustainable Alternatives: Replace conventional plastics with biodegradable or compostable materials, or use recycled content. Explore options like plant-based plastics, biopolymers, or reusable materials.

- Implement In-House Recycling: Set up recycling facilities within the company to process plastic waste generated during production. This can involve collecting, sorting, and reprocessing

plastics into reusable materials.

- Closed-Loop Systems:  Establish closed-loop recycling systems where plastic waste from one part of the production process is reused within the same

process, reducing the need for virgin materials.

- Collaborate with Recyclers:  Partner with external recycling companies to handle waste that cannot be processed on-site. This can include specialized

recyclers for complex or contaminated plastics.

- Participate in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs: Engage in EPR programs where businesses take responsibility for the end-of-life

management of their products and packaging.

- Invest in Sorting Technology: Utilize advanced sorting technologies such as automated systems that can identify and separate different types of plastics, improving recycling efficiency.

- Employee Training: Train staff on proper waste segregation practices to ensure that plastic waste is sorted correctly before recycling or disposal.

- Separate by Type: Implement systems to separate plastic waste by type and resin, as different plastics have different recycling requirements and processes.

Future trends:

Looking ahead, addressing plastic waste requires a combination of innovative solutions, global cooperation, and individual responsibility. This chapter highlights

future trends and strategies that could shape the trajectory of plastic waste management.

4.1 Emerging Technologies Future innovations may include advanced recycling technologies, the development of completely biodegradable plastics, and enhanced waste-to-energy

conversion methods. These technologies promise to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste significantly.

4.2 Global Collaboration International agreements and collaborations are crucial in tackling plastic waste on a global scale. Efforts such as the UN’s Clean Seas campaign and the

Global Plastic Action Partnership aim to foster cooperation among nations to address plastic pollution collectively.

4.3 Individual Actions Individuals play a vital role in reducing plastic waste through lifestyle changes such as reducing plastic consumption, supporting sustainable brands, and participating in recycling programs. Personal responsibility, combined with systemic changes, is key to achieving long-term sustainability.