Page 31 - Plastics News October 2024

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

The American Chemistry Council, which represents the petrochemical industry, strongly supports us-
ing plastic in construction. They argue that plastic can play a key role in building infrastructure while
cutting down on greenhouse gases. But lead study author Erica Cirino points out that these potential
environmental benefits aren’t certain, and more research is needed to understand the risks.

To help address these concerns, researchers are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to support more studies on the health and environmental impacts of plastic use in construction.
They also recommend increased collaboration among plastic manufacturers, recyclers, and construc-
tion companies.

In Canada, efforts are already underway. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is work-
ing with Heartland Polymers on a $10 million project to explore new ways of using recycled plastic in
construction. One project involves creating plastic sheets for concrete forms, while another looks at
using plastic in asphalt road surfaces. Early tests have already diverted tons of plastic waste from land-
fills. In the end, while there’s potential for recycled plastic in construction, experts caution that more
research is needed to fully understand the long-term risks and benefits. The goal is to find solutions
that are both environmentally friendly and safe for human health.

Source: ConstructConnect

Plastic’s Bad Image May Need a Makeover

lastic often gets a bad rap, especially from environmentalists. It’s seen as harmful to the planet
because it’s hard to recycle, and its production releases carbon dioxide, contributing to more
Pthan 5% of greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to campaigns to ban or reduce plastic items
like bags, cups, and straws.
Now, the United Nations is pushing for a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution, which could be final-
ized by the end of the year. However, when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the case against
plastic might not be as strong as we think.
An article in Reason magazine, written by environmental expert Ronald Bailey, highlights a study from
Environmental Science & Technology. It found that replacing plastic with alternatives like glass or
aluminium often results in even more greenhouse gas emissions. The difference is significant. For ex-
ample, producing paper bags releases five times more emissions than plastic bags. Glass bottles are
three times worse than plastic, and aluminium cans are twice as bad. Even wooden dining sets are less
eco-friendly compared to plastic ones when looking at emissions.

This problem of overlooking the full life cycle also affects how we view renewable energy sources like
solar panels and wind turbines. When you factor in the energy needed to produce and install them,
plus their cost and reliability issues, they might not always be the green solution they seem.
The U.N.'s push for a treaty on plastics is more than just about cleaning up waste. It’s also about gov-
ernments increasing their control through regulation. The treaty would give global officials the power
to decide how much and what types of plastic can be produced, designed, and disposed of.
In the end, while plastic still has its issues, it might not be the environmental villain it’s often made
out to be.
Source: Forbes

October 2024 PLASTICS NEWS 31