Learn more about Plastics!

Plastics are modern, synthetic materials. They are oil and gas based, but consumes less than four per cent of our oil and gas reserves. The superior properties of plastics such as hygienic barrier properties, light weight, and durability contribute significantly to our health and quality of life. In packaging applications, they protect our food from contamination and many products from damage; in automotive applications they offer light weight performance which, in turn, improves gas mileage; in medical applications, they are used to improve our quality of life and save lives through products like IV and blood bags, artificial hips and limbs and disposable syringes; in construction, plastics help insulate and decorate our homes and are used extensively in plumbing and electrical applications.

The tremendous growth of the plastics industry since the Second World War is a testament to our confidence in this material. The plastics industry has experiences substantial growth, and this trend is expected to continue. The factors that have contributed to this growth include the energy efficiency of plastic. All studies show that it takes less energy to make a product from plastics than just about any other material. For example, it takes less energy to make a plastic bottle than a glass bottle; vinyl siding than aluminum siding; plastic pipe than steel pipe; and so on.

As plastics continue to demonstrate that they are a safe and reliable alternative to traditional materials, new applications will emerge and contribute to the growth and prosperity of this dynamic industry.

The Plastics 101 section is a resource available to you! You will find valuable information regarding plastics, the manufacturing process, and various applications for which plastics have become common place.

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