Plastic Myths Debunked - From production to pollution, there are plenty of plastic facts you should know. Let’s dive in.
Myth
Most plastics in the ocean are a result of improper care by the plastic industry.
Truth
Most plastic waste in the ocean comes from lack of infrastructure, lack of education, and human error.
The majority of marine debris comes from:
- Landfills
- Overflowing bins
- Thoughtlessly discarded trash
- Waste incorrectly disposed of in the toilet
- Fishing nets
- Lost materials from freight ships
Sources of microplastic in the ocean: cosmetic products, cleaning agents, materials that result from the washing of plastic clothing, pulverized plastic waste (due to time and erosion).
Source – GVM Resource Efficiency, 2014; Analysis + Calculation by Berndt+Partner Consultants, 2018
Myth
Biobased and biodegradable plastics are the same thing.
Truth
While these types of plastics are both considered “bioplastics,” they are very different concepts.
Biobased plastics materials are partly or completely made from renewable raw materials. Copolyester systems, starch-based materials, polylactic acid, and cellulose materials are primarily used to create these biobased plastics today. They can be, but do not have to be, biodegradable.
Biodegradable plastics, under specific conditions determined by temperature, humidity, and oxygen, and time, can be converted into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
Myth
Most crude oil within the industry is used for packaging.
Truth
The majority of the plastic industry’s oil and gas reserve is used for transport, traffic, energy, and heating.
Source – GVM Resource Efficiency, 2014; Analysis + Calculation by Berndt+Partner Consultants
Myth
Most waste is plastic waste.
Truth
Household waste only accounts for 8.3% of all waste generated. Only 12% of that 8.3% household waste is plastic.
There are several other elements, materials, and actions that account for the majority of waste generation.
Source – GVM Resource Efficiency, 2014; Analysis + Calculation by Berndt+Partner Consultants, 2018
Myth
The plastic industry is not doing anything to reduce plastic consumption.
Truth
Through package optimization alone, the resulting material and weight reduction (an average of 25%), is saving 6.1 billion tons of plastic consumption and usage in Western Europe every year.
Myth
No packaging is always the best option.
Truth
Many foods can be stored for much longer with the right packaging, therefore reducing food waste.
In many countries, the hygienic and climatic conditions are very different in Europe and America. There are far fewer refrigerated vehicles and refrigerators in third world countries and underdeveloped areas, making packaging extremely important. A lengthy shelf life for perishables is crucial for preventing sickness and sustaining the region’s population growth.
Source – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAQ), 2015)
Myth
Most microplastics come from degraded plastic packaging.
Truth
The vast majority of microplastics come from synthetic textiles, car tires, city dust, and even road markings.
Source – GVM Resource Efficiency, 2014; Analysis + Calculation by Berndt+Partner Consultants, 2018