Page 39 - Plastics News April 2025
P. 39
FEATURE NEWS
Controlling appropriate disposal methods stands servancy’s 2022 report demonstrate that 46%
as the main difficulty. Plastic materials that de- of ocean plastic waste comes exclusively from
compose naturally do not dissolve properly in abandoned fishing nets together with fishing
landfills due to minimal oxygen presence and equipment.
lack of microbial action.
Although poor waste management practices are
Myth 2: Banning Plastics Will Solve Environ- the main source of marine pollution the coun-
mental Issues tries practicing them exhibit the highest levels of
such contamination.
Reality: The Problem Lies in Mismanagement,
Not Material Developmental nations control their waste dis-
posal practices which prevent plastic waste from
The temporary solution of plastic bans creates escaping into the oceans.
unexpected problems in the process. The shift
from plastic packaging to glass or paper alter- Myth 4: Recycling is the Ultimate Solution
natives creates negative effects on environment
since it involves greater levels of carbon emis- Reality: Recycling Alone Won’t Solve the Plastic
sions due to production requirements. Crisis
A United Nations Environment Programme The practice of recycling serves as an essential
(UNEP) study discovered in 2020 that the total strategy although we still need better options.
replacement of plastics with alternative items The worldwide plastic recycling operation reach-
would lead to environmental impacts that sur- es less than 10% allowing the remaining 90% to
pass 3 times the current situation regarding en- conclude in landfills and incinerators. Factors
ergy usage and carbon dioxide emissions levels. hindering effective recycling include:
♦ Lack of infrastructure in many countries
Plastic bans should not be the primary solution
since efforts should concentrate on the follow- ♦ Contamination of recyclable materials
ing:
♦ The market lacks sufficient facilities to
♦ Enhancing recycling infrastructure recycle complex plastic materials.
♦ Investing in biodegradable plastic research A better approach includes:
♦ Promoting responsible consumer behavior ♦ Developing circular economy models
Myth 3: Plastics Are the Biggest Pollutant in ♦ Encouraging reusable packaging
Oceans
♦ Advancing chemical recycling technologies
Reality: Fishing Gear and Industrial Waste Lead
the Pack Myth 5: All Plastics Contain Harmful Chemicals
The major sources behind plastic pollution do Reality: Not All Plastics Are Toxic
not stem from the consumption of plastics in ♦ The processing industry commonly selects
consumer goods. Results from the Ocean Con-
April 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 39
