Increasing environmental pollution and socio-political debates are bringing the topic of recycling plastics more into focus. The fact is: Linear production processes still dominate plastics manufacturing, for example in short-lived products such as packaging. How can such plastics be better recycled? Various paths lead to the goal here and range from already established processes such as mechanical recycling to chemical recycling, in which plastic products are broken down back into their basic components after use.

For some people, it is still somewhat suspicious, while others cannot get enough of it: we are talking about the digital world, which is pervading more and more areas of daily life. And plastics are playing an important role in this development. Cables, plugs, and plug-in connectors, as well as further electrical components made of plastics make sure that we stay connected – to people, our jobs, and at school.

Plastics make cars lighter and safer, keep food fresh longer and are indispensable in medicine in the form of syringes and needles. And more than this, plastics are often more sustainable than other materials since they are lighter, more durable and more efficient. In short: we can no longer imagine our modern lives without plastics.

Plastics have revolutionised sport over the last decades – at all levels: from stadiums and running tracks, where athletes are striving for new records, down to shoes, clothing, and safety equipment – modern sports rely on plastics. And whether it be for water sports, football, mountain biking, tennis, skiing, or golf: the sport articles used nowadays have changed radically and, thanks to plastics, have become lighter, more resilient and more flexible.

Curved facades or customised insulation for different construction elements: plastics make it possible and architects’ dreams come true. It is not without reason that the building and construction industry is one of the most important application of plastics in Germany after the packaging industry. Traditionally, the material is used from the cellar to the roof: for example, for floorings, windows, pipes or for thermal insulation and sealing. This makes it an important contributor to the energy transition in Germany. And plastics are also much appreciated for giving buildings a special radiance – for example, the Allianz Arena in Munich with its uniquely playful, luminous shell.

First came the panic buyings and some food and toiletries became scarce. This was followed by so-called cocooning in connection with the corona-related longer stay within one’s own four walls and in the garden at home. Finally, learning and working during the lockdown shifted more and more to the home. How good that plastics provide a livable environment.

According to the UN, almost 700 million people around the globe do not have enough to eat – about nine percent of the world population. The climate change and now also the COVID-19 pandemic are further aggravating the malnutrition in many regions. In contrast, water resources and fertile soil are limited. However, plastics can produce relief by contributing to increase the efficiency of agricultural production and improve the quality of agricultural products; and by enabling the access to clean drinking water in many ways.

Medical engineering increasingly relies on plastics when it comes to implants and applications inside the human body. For this purpose, molecular research meanwhile designs targeted plastics with manifold characteristics. This sets new standards in the application and manufacturing of such medical products.

With their versatile properties and numerous possible applications, polymers are already making our vehicles more efficient and safer, more comfortable and more beautiful – and tomorrow’s mobility possible in the first place. Plastics make their contribution from the roof to under the hood – and of course not only in cars, but also in trains, buses and airplanes.

In times of Coronavirus, plastics prove once again their importance for our lives. Without the usage of plastics, there would be no viable way to cope with the current pandemic. But let’s be a bit more specific: Which applications are we actually talking about when highlighting the material’s contributions against COVID-19?

Very light and robust, highly moldable, particularly sustainable – various good properties make plastics the material of choice. Discovered 100 years ago, the possibilities are far from exhausted – especially when it comes to recycling this valuable material. A wide range of successful approaches exists already.

Whether in the car, on the laptop or in our own four walls: Plastics accompany us at every turn. They provide innovations, make life safer, healthier, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly in many important areas – and have done so for 100 years.

Producing plastics requires a lot of energy and raw materials like crude oil. However, this releases greenhouse gases. The German plastics industry wants to tackle this problem and intends achieve a climate-neutral production by 2050. The ideas and technologies necessary for reaching this goal have been developed already.