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Plastic processing provokes an increase in oil production, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of plastic, as well as chemical pollution of the environment, according to a report by the Greenpeace Russian branch \u201cThe Future in the Trash\u201d, published on Wednesday, RIA Novosti reported.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the world’s largest companies using a huge amount of disposable polymer packaging, drew attention to the request of consumers and recognized that it was time to take measures to reduce pollution. Some have made commitments that at first glance seem quite adequate, but with careful study they only speak of the continuation of their usual activities. The business is investing in the wrong decisions that do not allow you to abandon disposable polymers, divert attention from more advanced systems, and indulge a consumer culture, \u201dthe report said.<\/p>\n
The authors of the report analyzed the main methods of processing plastics and showed that they also harm the environment.<\/p>\n
According to experts, biopolymers, which are considered as a replacement for conventional polymers, actually require huge plantations of corn and sugarcane. Plantations of raw materials for plastics will compete with agricultural and food crops.
\nIn addition, according to the authors of the report, biodegradable polymers require special decomposition conditions that are not available at Russian landfills.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecycling systems cannot keep up with the volume of polymer waste generated, in Germany, a country with one of the highest recycling rates in terms of waste, more than 60% of all plastic waste is collected and only 38% is recycled,” the report said.<\/p>\n
As specified in the report, secondary polymers are inferior to primary ones in their consumer properties, so they are mixed, which again provokes an increase in the production of plastics.<\/p>\n
Greenpeace also criticizes plastics-sponsored beach cleaning campaigns sponsored by large companies. According to the Greens, this only disguises the problem and creates the illusion of its solution.
\nThe report notes that manufacturers limit information on the real environmental impact of chemical recycling of polymer waste. Meanwhile, chemical solvents, chemical decomposition and cracking are used for such processing. Each of these operations is dangerous and is accompanied by the appearance of harmful toxins, which could not have happened if companies had refused disposable plastics.<\/p>\n
\u201cNeither in the USA nor in the EU there are common rules or harmonized definitions for chemical processing technology, which creates additional confusion,\u201d the report says.<\/p>\n
According to the Greens, the packaging industry is creating processing companies and shaping future demand for plastics. At the same time, their production leads to greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, the share of plastics in the total carbon budget of the Earth will be up to 13%, which is slightly higher than the current level, although the efforts of the world community are aimed at reducing emissions.
\nThe authors of the report suggest focusing on the rejection of disposable packaging and unnecessary plastics, rather than looking for recycling methods that will not save the planet.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Plastic processing provokes an increase in oil production, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of plastic, as well as chemical pollution of the environment, according to a report by the Greenpeace Russian branch \u201cThe Future in the Trash\u201d, published on Wednesday, RIA Novosti reported. \u201cSome of the world’s largest companies using a huge amount […]<\/p>\n