Plastics are used as raw materials in many industries due to their incredible versatility. Besides having extreme flexibility to mold to just about any shape, plastic material is also cheap, lightweight, strong, and resistant to water. Here are a few industries where plastic plays a vital role in the production process.
Motor Vehicles
Current vehicles are made up of almost 8% plastic materials, which makes modern cars lighter weight than their predecessors. This allows vehicles to use less fuel, produce lower emissions, and reduces the maintenance cost of owning and repairing a car. Because plastic can be easily shaped, vehicle manufacturers have used it to enhance the design of car models. This can only be done by using plastic, as some shapes are impossible to mold when using materials like iron or aluminum. Additionally, the motor vehicle industry uses plastics to enhance the safety and fuel consumption of automobiles. Plastics are used in manufacturing safety belts and airbags, which play an important safety role in car accidents.
Agriculture
In the agricultural industry, plastics are used in a variety of way. For instance, plastic is used to construct greenhouses that protect plants against hostile environmental factors. Plastics are also used in making mulch products that suppress the growth of weeds and for irrigation systems that provide crops with much needed water.
Plastics contribute to the building of greenhouses.
Construction
In construction, plastics are used to make a number of building components including flooring, electrical insulation, wall coating, and waterproof materials. Polyvinyl Chloride is a sturdy plastic that is used on flooring since it’s a robust and easy to clean material. Polyurethane material is popularly known for its role in the insulation of buildings, making them thermal resistant. Pipes used in plumbing are made of PVC or polyethylene. This kind of plumbing system made of plastic material can withstand corrosion and rust, making it a good option for piping water and liquid waste. Plastic is also used in making doors and windows.
Recreational Activities
Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in thanks to the use of plastic. Plastics are used in the making of footwear, athletic equipment, sports balls, children’s toys, and swimming accessories such as floaters and life vests. Think back to the last time you went for a run, skied, floated in the pool, or played a pick up game of basketball – chances are you either wore or used plastic.
Important medical equipment is made from plastics.
Important medical equipment is made from plastics.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry is one of the most prolific users of plastics. Products like tubing, disposable syringes, medicine packs, gloves, droppers, osmotic products, and machine casings are all manufactured from plastics. Plastic materials, which are cheap to produce, are preferred since most materials are disposed of after only one use. Besides the manufacturing of medical products, plastic is also used to make artificial human parts. This includes heart valves, hip joints, teeth, and other synthetic implants that help to improve the life and safety of patients whose natural parts have failed to function.
Packaging
Most consumer product industries use plastic for packaging. Manufacturers usually need to package their products to prevent contamination and other forms of damage. The food industry uses plastics to preserve and protect the nature and quality of food products. For this reason, plastics help to keep food safe and hygienic.
It’s incredible to see how important plastic is across so many industries. Plastic has forever changed not only industry, but our lives.