What Are the Benefits of Plastic?

Plastics in Aviation and Transportation

• In vehicles, less weight means less fuel consumption. This is how aviation, automobile and transportation manufacturers take advantage of plastics. Modern planes, like the Airbus A380, are 22 percent plastic, saving on fuel and lowering cost of operations by 15 percent. Buses and trains use plastic for windows, seating, handles, as well as for interior panels. From fender to bumper, many car parts -- especially in the interior and under the hood -- consist of plastics.

Plastics in Electronics and Technology

• Less weight also means portability. Computer and mobile phone manufacturers use plastics to make their laptops and phones lighter, while also being extremely durable and cost-effective. Even some lights, such as LEDs, are manufactured with plastic as opposed to glass, creating a more durable bulb.

Plastics in Packaging

• Plastic also contributes to flexibility. It can be molded into various shapes and sizes, as well as dyed to create different colors. The varieties of plastic allow a versatility not possible with other materials. Extremely thin plastics are used for food preservation, while thicker plastics are strong enough to allow durable, all-weather storage packaging.

Plastics in Construction and Energy

• Plastic is not a good conductor of electricity, making it an ideal material to use in conjunction with electrical wiring. Plastics are insoluble to water, making them a common material used for water lines and pipes. Plastic insulation also helps buildings maintain a consistent temperature, making it an environmentally-friendly material when used in the right context. Plastics solar cells --- which compete with silicon --- also provide a source of clean energy.