Plastics - Materials for our Future

Plastics are one of the most resource efficient and versatile materials available to society. Plastics make a significant contribution to the goals of sustainable development:

• Social progress: plastics provide affordable products giving more people access to higher standards of living, healthcare and information
• Economic development: the plastics industry chain in Australia adds value to society. It employs more than 40,000 people and generates sales in excess of nine billion dollars a year
• Environmental protection: plastics help save resources, fossil fuels and energy. Plastics products also save water and preserve food.
• Plastics consume just 4% of the world's oil as feedstock.
• Using plastics products save energy - 100kg of plastic parts in cars reduce oil consumption by about 12 million tones each year in Europe reducing CO2 emissions by 30 million tones a year.
• Plastics protect our food - trays, bags, films and seals extend shelf life and prevent tampering.
• Renewable energies rely on plastics (solar panels, wind turbines)
• Plastics are too valuable to waste - this includes end-of-life. After serving a useful purpose, plastics can either be recycled or used as an alternative fuel. Plastic waste has a calorific value at least equal to coal and with lower CO2 emissions.
• Responsible use - The Australian Plastics industry takes an active role in managing its products and how they interact with people and the environment.
• More than one billion people in the world lack access to safe water. Plastics can save and distribute water economically, reliably and safely.
• Plastics make our lives safer: Airbags, seatbelts, baby seats, bike helmets, life jackets and medical devices are just some examples of life-saving products made of plastic.

The success and popularity of the Plastics - Materials for Our Future cards has seen 2700 cards distributed to Schools, local councils and individuals. Download a print ready version of the card below.

• Plastics - Materials for our Future - print ready cards