Types of Plastics Archives - Plastics Make It Possible

Plastics and the Environment: Disruptive (in a Good Way)

Previously published in Plastics Engineering and posted with permission from the Society of Plastics Engineers. If a new material were found today that could reduce environmental costs compared to existing materials by nearly four times, imagine what a positive, disruptive force that would be. In...

What are Bioplastics?

The term “bioplastics” seems to cause almost as much confusion as the term “biodegradable.” So what are bioplastics—and what, exactly, does the “bio” in bioplastics refer to? Bio … bio … hmmm. The history of plastics? No. Biotechnology? No. The “bio” in bioplastics actually has...

Are Plastics Biodegradable?

To many people, the term “biodegradable plastics” sounds like a contradiction in terms, sort of like a square circle. As usual, reality is a bit more complicated. First, let’s define biodegradable. From a scientific standpoint, the term most commonly refers to materials that can be broken down...

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): So Popular

Yes, I love polypropylene and polyester and silicones and all sorts of other plastics. But high-density polyethylene (or HDPE) plastic has been courting my favor recently. Not only is it one of the most versatile of plastics—used in everything from hard hats to house wraps—it’s also widely rec...

What is Polypropylene Plastic?

Before waxing poetic about yet another of my favorite plastics, let me be clear: I love them all. (Reference my silicone and polyester articles if you doubt my even-handed passion.) So let’s delve into a plastic that is widely considered one of the most versatile: polypropylene! You run across th...

What is Silicone Plastic?

Have you ever thought about what your hair conditioner, your car windshield, and cooking tools may have in common? OK, probably not, but I have. All these products can be made with silicones. These polymers are so versatile that you can find them in countless everyday products—from the practical, ...

Types of Plastic: How Many Kinds of Plastics are There?

Plastics aren’t simply one material made the same way every time. Learn about the different types!

What are Plastics?

When you watch television, use a computer, ride in a bus, train, or plane, you are using plastics. When you go to the doctor’s office or hospital or shop at the grocery store, you again are relying on plastics. So where do plastics come from … and just what are they? Plastics are derived from ma...

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