Small Steps to Fight the Huge Effects of Plastic Manufacturing

The cumulative global plastic production has skyrocketed to over 380 million tons, of which 50% is for single-use purposes. Furthermore, in 2020, the World Health Organization has seen a massive surge in plastic production, with a 4% escalation of PPE production[1] and a 20,000% increase in the global use of disposables (United Nations, 2020). Did you know, plastic manufacturing in the first 10 years of this century eclipsed the total production in the entire century! Let’s talk about the manufacturing process of plastic.

Generally, plastic is made up of natural resources such as crude oil, cellulose, natural gas, and salt through a polymerisation process. The 5 steps of the plastic production process include the extraction of raw materials, setting and preparation of mold and printers, the main technical process (Blow Molding, CNC Machining, Vacuum Forming, 3D Printing, etc) , Cooling & Removal of Plastic, and finally, Finishing & Testing of Parts. The manufacturing process gives rise to several effects on not only the environment, but also our human health. Chemicals added to plastics are absorbed by human bodies which can alter hormones, resulting in potential human health effects. Secondly, plastic debris ingested by marine animals, can injure or poison wildlife. Thirdly, plastic buried deep in landfills can leach harmful chemicals that spread into groundwater. Little do we know, we are exposed to chemicals from plastic multiple times per day through the air, dust, water, food and use of consumer products.

The manufacturing and consumption of SUPs is simply not sustainable. With a growing global population, improving economic conditions, and rapid technological progression, the future will create a larger demand for plastic if nothing is done to curb this issue. Just like how we address the situation of COVID-19, we need to be willing and ready to accept and live within a new norm. Why not simply take active steps to change their habits and take charge of a different lifestyle. Our actions, both big or small, will make a difference.

Ang Hui Wei

Programmes Department