In this article, we continue to discuss why some plastics are durable while others age and crack rapidly.

Why do some plastics last a long time, yet others rapidly age and crack, despite all being plastic materials?

When buying a water bottle, many people first check not the capacity or shape, but the material marked on the cup. Terms such as PP, PC, Tritan and PETG are commonly seen on plastic water bottles, sports jugs, children’s cups and portable tumblers. Though seemingly all suitable for holding water and can be made transparent or translucent, these materials have distinct properties. When selecting material for a water bottle, it is not enough merely to confirm if it is food-grade. You also need to consider heat resistance, clarity, drop resistance, odor performance, cleaning methods and actual operating temperature range.

What exactly are the differences between these common plastics: PE, PP, PVC, ABS and PC? Today we will continue our discussion about PC, along with the differences and common misconceptions among these types of plastics.

What exactly are the differences between these common plastics: PE, PP, PVC, ABS and PC? Today we will continue our discussion on PP, PVC and ABS.

What exactly are the differences between these common plastics: PE, PP, PVC, ABS and PC?

Have you ever had this experience: when you go to the supermarket to buy plastic wrap, you notice "Made of LDPE" printed on the package; when you pick up a storage bin, its label reads "Made of HDPE"; and garbage bags are marked "Made of LLDPE"... When seeing these similar abbreviations, do you feel totally confused? What exactly sets them apart? Why are some plastic products soft and transparent, while others are rigid and tough?

In recent years, the chemical recycling sector for plastics has gained growing momentum. As a critical solution to address the degradation issue plaguing mechanical recycling and enable the infinite circular reuse of plastics, chemical recycling technologies are being rapidly upgraded with numerous projects fast-tracked for implementation, emerging as the most high-profile focus within the plastics circular economy industry.

A new UN FAO report indicates that while recycled plastics can help ease the escalating global waste crisis, strict regulation of food packaging is essential to prevent contamination.

Recently, Plastics Europe released its biennial report, The Circular Economy for Plastics – A European Analysis. The report provides the latest (2024) data and insights into Europe's plastic circular transition, covering trends in circular plastics production, processing, consumption, and trade, as well as waste management statistics.