Flexible, Lightweight, Easily Processable: How Are Plastics Produced?
“Plastics are versatile materials that we use frequently in our daily lives and make our lives easier.”
Kimsan Petrokimya
Bottles, glasses, clothes, furniture, cars, packaging... It is possible to find plastics in almost every product. So what is the reason why plastics have entered our lives so much? How are they produced, what raw materials are used, what processes do they go through? Here's what you need to know about plastics!
How are plastics produced?
Plastics are used in many industries with their flexible, light and easily processable structure. In addition, it can offer effective solutions in many areas with its waterproof, insulating and recyclable features. This being the case, it is very natural for it to appear in every aspect of our lives. So how are the plastics we use almost every day produced? Let's take a look at the production stages of plastics together:
Raw material selection
The manufacturing process of plastics usually starts with raw materials such as crude oil or natural gas. These raw materials, apart from fuel, are processed through special refining processes; It turns into basic raw materials of petrochemistry such as naphtha, ethane, LPG and propane.
Monomer production
The obtained raw materials are brought into monomer form through special chemical processes. At this stage, monomers such as ethylene, propylene and styrene become the basic building blocks of plastics. The quality of the plastic is determined by the monomers produced here.
polymerization
Monomers are combined through a chemical reaction called polymerization. This reaction enables the conversion of monomer molecules into long, chain-like polymer molecules. Polymers form the basic structure of plastics.
Adding additives
At this stage, various additives are added to the resulting polymers to improve the properties of the plastics and make them suitable for specific applications. Colorants, stabilizers, softeners and fillers can be used depending on the usage area and purpose of the produced plastic.
Forming processes
The plastic mixture is generally given the desired form by methods such as extrusion or injection molding. Extrusion allows the liquid plastic mixture to be shaped by passing it through a mold. Injection molding, on the other hand, creates the product by injecting a liquid plastic mixture into a mold.
Cooling and cutting
After the shaping stage, the plastic product is cooled to the desired hardness. This process is usually accomplished using water or air. Then the product cutting phase begins. In the cutting process carried out with precision equipment and special machines, the plastic product is cut into the desired dimensions and made ready for use. The cooling and cutting stages determine the quality and final form of plastic products.
Productization
The productization process is a key step in the plastics industry that makes manufactured products ready for end use. The shaped and cooled plastic product is arranged in accordance with its design, reaches quality standards and is put on the market for use in various sectors.
Why is recycling plastic waste important?
It is of great importance to recycle plastics, which are present in every aspect of our lives and even in your hands while you are reading this article, after use. Because plastic waste that is not recycled can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose on its own in nature. Here are some problems caused by not recycling plastics:
Overuse of natural resources
Raw materials such as crude oil and natural gas required for plastic production are found in limited amounts in nature. However, when plastic waste is not recycled, new raw materials are constantly needed for production.
Breaking the environmental cycle
Accumulation of plastic waste in nature can disrupt the functioning of the environmental cycle. This situation can negatively affect ecosystems and biodiversity and destroy the habitats of living things. Plastics that are not recycled and remain as waste can accumulate in the oceans and endanger natural life.
Consciously choosing plastic products for their intended use can reduce waste generation. On the other hand, separating waste and gaining the habit of recycling contributes to making plastic reusable.
As KİMSAN, we are aware of our responsibilities to society and the environment. We continue our efforts to minimize our environmental impacts that naturally occur as a result of our activities. In this context, as KİMSAN, we support projects that recycle plastic waste using chemical methods. These projects mitigate the negative effects of plastic pollution while also making progress in the development of the circular economy. As Kimsan, we aim to reduce excessive raw material use and protect the environmental cycle. We work for a better tomorrow with today's energy.