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 …

Nov 19, 2025 · plastic, polymeric material that has the capability of being molded or shaped, usually by the application of heat and pressure.

Plastic leakage from the economy results from low-cost virgin plastic feedstocks and recycling challenges with resin combinations, additives, and contaminated plastics.

Oct 31, 2025 · Plastic products are generally versatile, durable and lightweight. Plastic products are prominent in the construction, transportation, and packaging industries. Plastic innovations …

Jun 7, 2019 · 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...

Dec 4, 2025 · UNEP supports governments, businesses, financial institutions, and other stakeholders in driving a just transition to a circular economy for plastics, helping to reduce plastic pollution and its …

Nov 18, 2025 · Plastic coverage from Scientific American, featuring news and articles about advances in the field.

Get the latest facts about plastic pollution and its impact on human health, social justice, environmental, climate, and wildlife.

Plastic is a versatile material used to make thousands of products people use every day. Learn about the types of plastic classification, history and unique chemistry that gives plastic its variety of uses …

Jan 14, 2026 · Plastic bags tangled in trees. Takeout containers scattered along roadsides. Bottles clogging streams and waterways and washing up on beaches. Across the United States, plastic …