• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Dscoop Post-Show Coverage

    Slitter-Rewinders

    Craft Beer Labels

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    Luminer Converting Group: Narrow Web Profile
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more

    Specialty announces move to new facility

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Nazdar celebrates 100th anniversary with refreshed brand identity

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more

    World’s first tequila in a cardboard bottle

    In-Mold Decorating Association announces 2022 IMDA Awards Competition

    Five approaches for more sustainable beauty packaging

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Specialty announces move to new facility

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press

    Dantex Group receives accreditation for Pico digital presses

    Heidelberg USA launches new Print Media Performance & Training Center
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press

    Dantex Group receives accreditation for Pico digital presses

    World’s first tequila in a cardboard bottle

    EyeC unveils revamped website
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw

    Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press

    Dantex Group receives accreditation for Pico digital presses

    EyeC unveils revamped website

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Nazdar celebrates 100th anniversary with refreshed brand identity

    Avery Dennison announces Global Supplier Award winners

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Epson America, Inc.

    Meech International

    Heidelberg USA

    Martin Automatic Inc.

    Spinnaker Coating, LLC
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Letters From The Earth

    Plastic parallels

    ...

    Plastic parallels
    Geyer and his team analyzed all mass produced plastics by developing a wide range of global data.
    Related CONTENT
    • Toray Plastics (America) delivering clean energy to Rhode Island
    • UFlex joins Alliance to promote circular economy
    • Shrink Sleeves
    • Constantia Flexibles achieves recycling milestone
    • Toray Plastics (America) recognized with 'Healthiest Employer' award
    Calvin Frost01.26.18
    In my last column I mentioned that “the current linear plastics system is broken.” Sadly, like so many other truly important contributors to our society (and let’s not debate the degree of importance), many of our developments since the Industrial Revolution have never considered end of life, climate change, greenhouse gas (GHG), and other environmental hot spots. Consider not only plastics, but fossil and nuclear energy, our traditional carbon generating automobiles, roll label pressure sensitive, and other highly technical developments. While contributing to our lifestyle, all have put strain on our global environment. All of this became clear when I read a paper, Production, Use, and Fate of All Plastics Ever Made, by Roland Geyer of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Jenna Jambeck of the University of Georgia, and Kara Law from the Sea Education Association. The story of plastics is so similar to our story of roll label pressure sensitive materials and needs to be told.  The parallels are remarkable.

    The paper is the first global analysis of “all mass produced plastics ever manufactured.” It starts with the birth of plastics, which only dates back to the 1950s. This seems unimaginable when you think of resin technology, polymer development, and now large-scale, mass produced films, parts and packaging. Really, until after WWII, the military was the only user. (And this is true of PSA, hence my preoccupation with the analogy!). The growth in plastics production was nothing short of extraordinary, surpassing most other manmade materials. The largest growth period for plastics was caused by packaging, according to Geyer and group, because of a global shift from reusable to single-use containers. Naturally, you can guess what else happened: an increase in the share of plastics in municipal solid waste, from less than 1% in 1960 to more than 10% by 2005.

    The vast majority of monomers used to make plastics are ethylene and propylede, and they are derived from fossil hydrocarbons. None of these are biodegradable. As a result, they accumulate rather than decompose in landfills or other natural environments such as water, both oceans and fresh water like the Great Lakes. As of today, the only way to permanently eliminate plastic waste is by destructive thermal treatment such as combustion or pyrolysis (chemical decomposition of a substance by heat). And again, I might add, this is one of the reasons I am so focused on diverting our by-product, matrix, into energy applications. It is the only large volume solution that makes economic sense.  (More in another issue on this with comments by guest contributor Ted Hansen, president and CEO of Convergen Energy).  The growth of the plastics industry is certainly the cause of greater plastic by-product in our solid waste. “Plastic debris has been found in all major ocean basins, with an estimated 11 – 12 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste generated on land, entering the marine environment in 2010 alone.  Contamination of fresh water systems and terrestrial habitats is also increasingly reported, as is environmental contamination with synthetic films. “Plastic waste is now so ubiquitous in the environment that it has been suggested as a geological indicator of the proposed Antropocene era.”

    Geyer and his group analyzed all mass produced plastics by developing global data on production, use, end of life of polymer resins, synthetic films, and additives into a material flow model. See chart to the left.

    The Geyer and group analysis includes thermoplastics, thermosets, polyurethanes, elastomers, coatings and sealants but focuses on the most common: high density polyethylene (PE), low density and linear low density polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephithalite (PET), and polyurethane (PUR) resins.  Also polyester, polyamide, and acrylic films (PP&A).

    Here’s what the analysis found: global production of all of the above increased from two million metric tons (MT) in 1950 to 380 million MT in 2015. They calculated an annual growth rate of 8.4% on a compounded basis during that same period. Total production during that period was almost eight billion MT, and of this 3.9 million MT were produced during the last 13 years. Today, China accounts for 28% of global resin and 68% of PP&A fiber production. Bio-based or biodegradable plastics are so small they were excluded from the analysis.

    The paper continues with copious data but eventually concludes with an in-depth discussion of waste and the different “fate” scenarios. First, it can be reprocessed or recycled; second, plastics can be destroyed thermally.  Finally, plastics can be discarded into a sanitary landfill or open dump or in the natural environment. Geyer and group conclude that only 30% of all plastics are currently in use.  On a cumulative basis, about 10% has been recycled or destroyed thermally. The remaining 60% has been discarded in landfills.

    The paper finishes:
    Thus, without a well-designed and tailor-made management strategy for end-of-life plastics, humans are conducting a singular uncontrolled experiment on a global scale, in which billions of metric tons of material will accumulate across all major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems on the planet. The relative advantages and disadvantages of dematerialization, substitution, reuse, material recycling, waste-to-energy, and conversion technologies must be carefully considered to design the best solutions to the environmental challenges posed by the enormous and sustained global growth in plastics production and use.

    I view our situation with pressure sensitive by-product in the same way.  First, the technology, while invented in the late 30s and early 40s, didn’t see mature use until the 50s and 60s. Second, our growth rate has been spectacular, growing in many ways, just like plastics. Third, when started, we had no concern for end-of-life or waste. Sustainability and landfill avoidance were not part of our conscious thinking.

    Things have changed, however, for both plastics and pressure sensitive.   This brings me to a prediction. I believe that 50% of the matrix being generated in North America will be used in non-landfill applications by 2020.  That’s a pretty bold prediction, I know. Nevertheless, it will happen. TLMI has just launched a survey with its converter members that asks “how much matrix do you generate, and what do you do with it?” Since TLMI converter members represent 70% of the total North American PSA market, we will be able to calculate total matrix volume in North America. I am further convinced that there will be enough pressure by end users (the brand owner) to reduce waste, that within two years we will have diverted at least 50% matrix from the waste stream.

    Another Letter from the Earth.


    Calvin Frost is chairman of Channeled Resources Group, headquartered in Chicago, the parent company of Maratech International and GMC Coating. His email address is
    cfrost@channeledresources.com.
    Related Searches
    • pet
    • paper
    • TLMI
    • technology
    Suggested For You
    Toray Plastics (America) delivering clean energy to Rhode Island Toray Plastics (America) delivering clean energy to Rhode Island
    UFlex joins Alliance to promote circular economy UFlex joins Alliance to promote circular economy
    Shrink Sleeves Shrink Sleeves
    Constantia Flexibles achieves recycling milestone Constantia Flexibles achieves recycling milestone
    Toray Plastics (America) recognized with Toray Plastics (America) recognized with 'Healthiest Employer' award
    Avery Dennison focusing on healthcare and pharmaceutical labeling trends Avery Dennison focusing on healthcare and pharmaceutical labeling trends
    Securikett launches paper-based security seal Securikett launches paper-based security seal
    Indonesian print and packaging events moved to 2022 Indonesian print and packaging events moved to 2022
    High tide for change: how to truly embrace sustainability in packaging High tide for change: how to truly embrace sustainability in packaging
    Paper and packaging made from seaweed? Paper and packaging made from seaweed?
    FLEXcon seeks to educate customers on sustainability FLEXcon seeks to educate customers on sustainability
    Michelman details new personnel move Michelman details new personnel move
    CCL honored for EcoStretch CCL honored for EcoStretch
    IMDA recognizes best in IML/IMD/IME IMDA recognizes best in IML/IMD/IME
    Films Films

    Related Content

    • Toray Plastics (America) delivering clean energy to Rhode Island

      Toray Plastics (America) delivering clean energy to Rhode Island

      The company is leasing roof space at its North Kingstown campus to Distributed Solar Development (DSD) for the installation of 1,332 solar panels.
      09.22.21

    • India | Sustainability
      UFlex joins Alliance to promote circular economy

      UFlex joins Alliance to promote circular economy

      Founded in 2019, Alliance has convened a global network of corporations, project partners, and supporters across the plastics value chain.
      09.21.21

    • Shrink Sleeves

      Shrink Sleeves

      Converters and suppliers are seeing a sizeable increase in demand for this popular packaging application.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 09.10.21


    • Substrates | Sustainability
      Constantia Flexibles achieves recycling milestone

      Constantia Flexibles achieves recycling milestone

      PE-based laminates from the EcoLam family can be reprocessed into new films with up to 80% of recycled content.
      09.08.21

    • North America
      Toray Plastics (America) recognized with

      Toray Plastics (America) recognized with 'Healthiest Employer' award

      The awards were presented at a virtual event on August 5, 2021, by the Providence Business News.
      09.07.21


      Trending
      • Specialty Announces Move To New Facility | Label and Narrow Web
      • Specialty announces move to new facility
      • The Progression Of Paper Mills | Label and Narrow Web
      • Avery Dennison Announces Global Supplier Award Winners | Label and Narrow Web
      • Brook + Whittle Acquires Diamond Flexible Packaging | Label and Narrow Web
      Breaking News
      • Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more
      • Specialty announces move to new facility
      • Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw
      • Nazdar celebrates 100th anniversary with refreshed brand identity
      • Kingfisher Labels adds 10th Edale press
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Dscoop Post-Show Coverage
      • Slitter-Rewinders
      • Craft Beer Labels
      • Pharmaceutical Labels
      • Luminer Converting Group

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      GOED Creates Infographic Highlighting Omega-3 Health Claims Approved in Europe
      Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board
      Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      What Are You Reading?
      Teknos Receives EcoVadis Gold Medal for Sustainability Performance
      AkzoNobel and Partners Team Up to Hack Carbon Reduction Challenges
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 21
      Iterative Scopes Expands its Senior Leadership Team
      Viz.ai Raises $100 Million in Series D Funding
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Piramal Pharma Solutions New API Plant in Canada Now Online
      MG America Appoints Claudio Radossi as President
      Catalent Invests $175M to Expand Mfg. Capabilities at Winchester, KY
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Authentic Beauty Concept Launches Second-Generation ‘Refill Bar’
      HASK Beauty Enters Exclusive Partnership with Amazon
      Garance Doré Launches Made in France Skincare Line
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      SPF Setting Spray, Lip Contour and Knotless Braids Are Hot Trends: Spate
      Nutrafol Launches Collagen Infusion
      ÄZ Craft Luxury Haircare Products Support All Hairstyles
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Weekly Recap: Zeller+Gmelin, Sun Chemical and Kornit Top This Week’s News
      Nazdar Celebrates 100 Years with a New Look
      hubergroup Chemicals Exhibits at Paint India for First Time
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more
      Specialty announces move to new facility
      Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      3M to Expand in Nebraska
      Nicely Offers Nonwoven Slitters, Winders
      'Right' Hygiene Conference to be Held in June
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      ODT's Most Read Stories This Week—May 21
      FDA Clears Anika Therapeutics' X-Twist Knotless Fixation System
      Paragon 28 Rolls Out TenoTac 2.0 Hammertoe and Soft Tissue Repair
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Weekly Recap: Graphene Flagship, Japan Display and LG Display Top This Week’s Stories
      Evonik Launches New Processing Aids for PV Wafer Cutting
      NREL Creates Highest Efficiency 1-Sun Solar Cell

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login