Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic materials composed primarily of polymers. Their defining characteristic, plasticity, allows them to be molded, extruded, or pressed into a diverse range of solid forms.
plastic, polymeric material that has the capability of being molded or shaped, usually by the application of heat and pressure.
Plastic pollution is growing a threat to ecosystems, the climate and our own health. What can be done to prevent it?
Over time, plastic breaks into smaller and smaller fragments called microplastics, which have been found in human tissues and organs. Researchers are working to understand how microplastics impact ...
Officials target microplastics. What exactly are they? How do they get ...
Improving the management of plastic waste across the world — especially in poorer countries, where most of the ocean plastics come from — is therefore critical to tackling this problem. This page presents all of our data and writing on plastic pollution.
Plastic products are generally versatile, durable and lightweight. Plastic products are prominent in the construction, transportation, and packaging industries. Plastic innovations contributed to many life-saving products that revolutionized the health care industry.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, thanks to the overwhelming rise in production of disposable plastic products. Plastic pollution is most visible in...
Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being.
From polymers to nurdles, learn how plastic is created and what we can do to slow the lasting repercussions this material will have on both our planet and our lives.