11:08 – Plastic industry still flourishes despite criticism

Between packaging consumed in abundance in emerging countries and more sophisticated plastics in vogue in developed countries, this industry is set in steady growth, despite environmental challenges and stricter regulations.

In ten years, Global production of plastics increased from 245 million tonnes to 348 million tonnes in 2017, according to figures from the European Federation PlasticsEurope.

Growth was 3.9% in 2017, more or less its cruising speed (4% in 2016, 3.5% in 2015.)

If we take into account only the most common plastics, "thermoplastics" (polyethylene terephthalate or PET, polypropylene, polyethylene or PVC) , global demand has grown at a comfortable pace of 4.7% per year over the period 1990-2017.

"Will it continue in the coming years? We can badume that yes," said Hervé Millet, director of technical and regulatory affairs of PlasticsEurope. "The reasons behind the growth of plastics in the world, a priori do not disappear in one go."

China's leading producer of plastics, China today weighs more than 29% of world production, against only 15% ten years ago.

The consumption of plastics is "linked to the economic development of countries", whether in terms of infrastructure and construction, transport, or applications in the electrical and electronic sectors, explains Millet. [19659002Tothisisaddedthefirstoutletwhichisthefieldofpackagingwhichisinhighdemandindevelopingcountriesandalsoaccountsforalmost40%ofplasticsconsumptioninEurope

– technical polymers –

] "There is a strong driver in developing countries that is linked to consumption" with a demand for basic polymers for packaging and packaging, Pierre Gadrat, director of chemistry and materials at Alcimed also observes. [19659011"Attheotherendofthechainthereisthedevelopmentoftechnicalpolymersit'sstillasdynamicifnotmoresothanbefore"headds

The production of new polymers has applications in the automotive and medical sectors. Some resins are used for automotive and aeronautics, but also for niche consumer products such as sports shoes.

But at the same time, the challenge of plastics is growing, mainly for pollution reasons, and regulations are hardening.

In France, disposable plastic tableware is set to disappear in 2020, if it is not biodegradable. Non-compostable fine plastic bags have been banned since 2017. The American city of Seattle has just banned plastic cutlery and straws in its restaurants and cafes

In late May, the European Commission proposed to ban cotton dishes, cutlery, plates, straws, badtail mixers and plastic ball stems

And similar measurements are multiplying in the world, against the backdrop of images of oceans suffocating under the plastic.

recycling –

"Today, it does not weigh on a mbadive scale," says Emmanuel Guichard, delegate general of the French federation of plastic packaging (Elipso). But "at one time, we can not imagine that there is no impact" of these measures.

"It is the plastic that is stigmatized as a whole", alarmed Hervé Millet of PlasticsEurope

For reasons of image, but also of well-understood economic interest, the sector begins to look very seriously at the question of recycling.

"Plastic waste potentially becomes, through regulatory pressure ( …) less and less waste, but a valuable raw material, "says Pierre Gadrat, who sees the recycling, still weak, a" key issues for tomorrow. "

For other materials of common use, such as metals, glbad, cardboard, waste are fully integrated into production channels.

For the scientific director of the Citeo collection organization, Carlos de Los Llanos, "that's what plastic is waiting for: the situation of an industry that simultaneously manages its virgin resource and its recycled resource". But "it can be learned, it will probably still take a few years."