The diversity of plastics

Today there are around 700 different plastics. Some are elastic or soft, others are hard and strong. While some plastics can be sintered, others extruded, injection moulded or casted. Some plastics melt at low temperatures, others can be used in engines and other extremely hot environments. Many plastics are easy to shape into complex forms, increasing the scope for design and making it easier to manufacture all sorts of different products.

Plastics are light

Compared with other materials, plastics are very light. The products weigh less and are easier to handle. Transporting light plastic products uses less fuel, which in turn reduces the impact on the environment.

Plastics increase safety

Plastics contribute to greater hygiene and protection. Although plastics are light, they can also be extremely strong. This means that they can be used in challenging situations. Since they do not split when they break and can also be made almost uncrushable, plastics are used in areas where safety is extremely important, for example in aeroplane, boats or safety features in cars. 

Plastics last and last

The finished plastic product is hardwearing and robust, retaining its new feel for a very long time. This has increasingly led to plastic becoming an attractive replacement for traditional materials. Plastics also pave the way for completely new techniques and applications. Plastic does not rust or rot and therefore requires little maintenance. That of course means less wear and a longer useful life. 

Plastics are cost-effective

Plastics reduce costs in various ways. You can cut your machine’s energy consumption and simplify the production process by using plastic parts.   

Plastic contributes to social progress

These days, plastic is used in practically every industry. The reason that plastics have broken through in so many areas is that they allow us to live in a cleaner, safer and simpler way. In some areas plastics are the only material that can be used. Plastics have played and continue to play a key role in many technological breakthroughs. Every day we use products and innovations that could not be mass produced without the existence of plastics.