The Journey of Plastics: Historical Development, Environmental Challenges, and the Emergence of Bioplastics for Single-Use Products

This paper explores the historical development of conventional plastics, tracing their evolution from early forms to their pervasive use in modern society. Its observations include the rise of mass plastic production during World War II and the post-war development, showcasing plastics’ economic and...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jade Stanley, David Culliton, Antonio-Jonay Jovani-Sancho, Adriana Cunha Neves
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Eng
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4117/6/1/17
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This paper explores the historical development of conventional plastics, tracing their evolution from early forms to their pervasive use in modern society. Its observations include the rise of mass plastic production during World War II and the post-war development, showcasing plastics’ economic and societal impact. The environmental repercussions of plastic pollution have led to increased global awareness and calls for sustainable alternatives. The emergence of bioplastics is investigated, including their classification, properties, applications, and challenges in scaling. This paper emphasises the urgency of adopting bioplastics for a sustainable future and discusses efforts towards homogenisation and standardisation across global markets.
ISSN:2673-4117