What is a petroleum-based plastic?

Petroleum-based plastics are artificial organic polymers, obtained from natural gas or oil, and utilized in contemporary society in every aspect of daily life [1,2,3]. Global petroleum-based plastic production in 2015 reached 322 million tons, while in 1950, the production was 1.7 million tons [4].

What are petroleum-based plastics made of?

Most plastics used today are derived from petrochemicals, with the polymers coming from crude oil. These petrochemical based plastics are more commonly referred to as oil-based plastics[1].

Are plastics petroleum-based products?

Most plastic products are made from petroleum. These include polyethylene, PVC, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, nylon and acrylic. Some plastics are made from plants. These include plastic products that are labeled as compostable or referred to as being edible.

Why is petroleum-based plastic bad for the environment?

However, this conversion produces pollutants and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), thus contributing to environmental pollution and global warming [3]. Moreover, several petroleum-based plastics are nonbiodegradable, which leads to their persistence at the site of disposal and harms the environment [10].

How are petroleum based plastics made?

In the refining process, crude oil is heated in a furnace, which is then sent to the distillation unit, where heavy crude oil separates into lighter components called fractions. One of these, called naphtha, is the crucial compound to make a large amount of plastic. However, there are other means, such as using gas.

Is PVC petroleum based?

Like all plastic materials, PVC/vinyl results from a series of processing steps that convert hydrocarbon-based raw materials (petroleum, natural gas or coal) into unique synthetic products called polymers.

How are petroleum-based plastics made?

Is HDPE petroleum-based?

There are several types of synthetic, petroleum-based plastics on the market today including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS).

How much plastic is petroleum based?

About 8% to 10% of our total oil supply goes to making plastic. It is estimated that about 12 million barrels of oil a year are used in making the plastic bags used in the US. An average American throws away about 10 bags a week. That’s 520 bags a year–a fuel equivalent of 60 miles of driving.

Is HDPE a petroleum product?

Definition: HDPE is a hydrocarbon polymer prepared from ethylene/petroleum by a catalytic process. It is a kind of thermoplastic which is famous for its tensile strength. Its unique properties can stand high temperatures.

Are petroleum-based products toxic?

When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns. However, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Is vinyl petroleum based?