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Business is still good for plastic manufacturers, but things could change. – Photo File AFP
It's the worst enemy of environmental activists, but people around the world use plastic mountains every day and business is booming for manufacturers
. However, the plastic giants are beginning to adapt.
From 2006 to 2016, global plastic production went from 245 million to 348 million tonnes, according to the professional association PlasticsEurope. Production increased by 3.9% in 2017. In 2016, the growth rate was 4.0% and 3.5% in 2015.
Demand for thermoplastics alone – which includes types of plastics most common, such as PET used in water bottles, polypropylene, polyethylene and PVC – rose by 4.7% per year from 1990 to 2017.
"Is this okay? to continue in the coming years? We can assume that this will be the case, "said Hervé Millet, director of technical and regulatory affairs at PlasticsEurope.
"The reasons why plastic (production) is growing will not disappear at one go," he added. The growth of the plastics industry goes hand in hand with economic development, says Millet.
The more economics develops, the more plastic is used in construction, infrastructure development, electrical and electronic industries, and transportation. ] Disposable plastic packaging – the sworn enemy of environmental activists – is also in great demand in developing countries
– China in the lead –
Even in Europe, where anti-plastic campaigns have particularly vigorous for 40% of consumption.
But the world's largest producer of plastic is China. Today, it holds 29% market share, compared to 15% just ten years ago.
European, American and Japanese plastics manufacturers have seen their market share shrink.
in the development of so-called special plastics, used in construction, automotive, medicine and other industries.
New polymers are also used in the aerospace industry, as well as in the creation of specialized sports shoes. Pierre Gadrat, who heads the chemicals and materials division of consulting firm Alcimed, said the sector "is just as dynamic, if not more, than ever before."
The growth of the plastic industry challenges the concerted efforts of activists all over the world, as well as an increasingly hostile regulatory environment.
Under pressure from activists, the European Union, Britain, India and even fast-food giants like McDonald's have all plastic bags are also being phased out in countries around the world, while France should introduce a ban on plastic plates, cups and cutlery in 2020.
– growing stigma –
Emmanuel Guichard of the French Federation of Plastic Packaging Elipso stated that the desire to end the use of single-use plastics "does not weigh heavily on growth in the sector".
However, "with all these regulatory measures coming into effect, we can not imagine that they will not have any impact at some point," he added.
While public awareness of the terrible damage caused by plastic pollution to the oceans and seas of the world begins PlasticsEurope's Millet says: "The plastic as a whole is becoming increasingly stigmatized"
In order to keep their own names, the plastic industry leaders recycle more, following the example of the manufacture of products.
"Under the pressure of regulation, plastic waste could become […] less considered waste and more like a precious raw material," said Gadrat
. "It's the future of plastic: a scenario where the industry manages its raw materials and recycled resources," said Carlos de Los Llanos, scientific director of Citeo's waste management company. , in Paris
. "It will probably take a few years," he said, adding, "You have to learn to do it." – AFP
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