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Re-envisioning Plastics Role in the Global Society

Perspectives on Food, Urbanization, and Environment

verfasst von: Ololade Olatunji

Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

This book covers the challenges and opportunities presented by plastics in the modern era and sheds light on the complex interplay of technology, environment, and socio-economic dynamics. With a thorough exploration of the history, uses, and potential of plastics, the book reviews the impact of plastics beyond single-use plastics, and critiques multiple long-term plastic applications that are significant for food security, water resource management, ecological conservation/restoration, and sustainable urbanization. It also explores frameworks for achieving a more sustainable plastic economy aligned with sustainable development goals.

This book comprises 13 chapters, commencing with a critical assessment of plastics in the context of sustainable development and global society. It proceeds with a historical overview of plastics' evolution, showcasing pivotal milestones and innovations in modern industry and daily life. Subsequent chapters delve into diverse topics: the intricate relationships between plastics, food security, and sustainable urbanization; plastics' impact on water safety, management, distribution, and conservation; their potential as an alternative energy source; and their innovative applications in sustainable transportation and energy generation. Emphasis is placed on plastics' role in waste reduction and recycling, as well as the latest sustainable alternatives like biodegradable and recyclable materials. In the book's final sections, readers will learn about green buildings and climate-resilient cities constructed using innovative plastic materials, and plastics' significance in space exploration. The book concludes with a forward-looking perspective on plastics' future, accompanied by recommendations for a more sustainable coexistence between society and these versatile materials.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and concerned citizens seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of plastics, their environmental implications, and their potential for sustainable development.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Global Society and Sustainable Development

Abstract

This chapter is aimed at drawing the connection between technological advancement and sustainable global society. It begins with a review of the concept of a global society. Then an overview of the sustainable development goals is presented to refresh some background knowledge of these goals. This is important in shaping the understanding of the role of the plastic industry in a sustainable global society. The chapter then discusses the different categories of technologies that are helping to drive sustainable development in a global society. The final section discusses the plastic challenge and how plastics can be better integrated within a more circular economy.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 2. A History of Plastics

Abstract

Plastic-like materials have existed throughout history. Synthetic plastic saw much of its significant development during the second industrial revolution with chemical synthesis and mass production increasing during this period. The development of nylon fiber saw one of the greatest commercial successes as the most widespread product demonstrating the application of plastic material in everyday consumer products. Different plastic processing techniques were developed to meet the need for feasible processes to convert these plastic materials into products. Some of these processes were borrowed from other fields such as textiles, rubber processing, and metalworking. Many of the fundamental processes are still in use today despite having seen significant modification and advancement over the years. This chapter reviews some of the historical development of plastics and plastic processing techniques.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 3. Plastics, Food Security, and Sustainable Urbanization

Abstract

Ending poverty and zero hunger are listed as the first and second sustainable development goals (SDG). Other sustainable development goals such as building sustainable cities are also linked with food security and sustainable urbanization. Plastics have been widely used in various systems to achieve the goals of urban farming that seeks to grow as much food within the limited spaces in urban areas as possible. This is achieved using vertical structures and other urban farming innovations to improve yield per area. Plastics are also key materials in innovations that are used to improve conventional agricultural yield, food storage and shelf life improvement, pest management, and improved livelihoods. These topics are covered in this chapter. This in-depth review of the plastic application is significant in assessing the role of the plastic industry in the development of products that can positively contribute to global food security and sustainable urbanization goals.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 4. Plastic in Water Safety Management, Distribution, and Conservation

Abstract

Although the earth is made up of 70% water, clean water fit for drinking and other human activities is becoming a scarce resource. Water management and conservation is one of the priorities of the global sustainable development goals. Drought, water pollution, and climate change are some of the contributing factors threatening water security across the world. This chapter reviews some of the innovations applied to address issues of water safety management and conservation and the role of plastics in this regard.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 5. Plastic as Fuel of the Future

Abstract

A range of technologies have been developed to obtain energy and materials from plastics. This has been focused on nonbiodegradable fossil-derived plastics. These are durable plastics that still retain their chemical structure and calorific value even at the end of their usage life. The ability to recover fuel from fossil-derived plastics is key to a circular economy. This chapter reviews the different technologies available for the conversion of plastic waste into different types of fuel and raw materials.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 6. Plastics in Sustainable Energy and Transportation

Abstract

Energy and transportation are key needs of human life. With the increasing impact of fossil-derived energy sources and transportation systems, the energy and transport industry is moving toward more sustainable alternatives. Governments are also seeking more strategies to achieve sustainable urbanization and a clean environment. The application of plastics in the development of the tools to achieve such sustainable urbanization is also key to the survival and growth of the plastic industry in the industries of the fourth industrial revolution. This chapter explores the applications of plastic in the production of structures and devices that make sustainable energy and transportation possible and/or more feasible. The technologies explored include floating photovoltaic panels, electric vehicles, water transportation, batteries, shoes, and their use in biogas collection and storage. The types of plastics used and the basis of the applications of the respective plastics are discussed.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 7. Assessing the Impact of Plastics

Abstract

The impact of plastic on the environment has been largely assessed using life cycle assessment. The manner in which these assessments are carried out and the criteria used vary significantly such that different LCA on the same product can come to different conclusions about the environmental impact. Beyond the impact of plastic products on the environment, this chapter looks at the impact on the environment if plastics were never produced or if they stopped being produced. The current problem posed by plastics is a result of the way plastics have been used. Such that if we are to consume other materials in the same manner we consume plastics, these materials would also pose a serious environmental threat, maybe worse. Therefore, the plastic problem is a consequence of a consumption problem. A broader approach to assessing the impact of plastics ensures that the problem is not shifted from one material to another without achieving any real sustainable solution.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 8. Plastics in Waste Management

Abstract

In recent years, plastics have gained a bad reputation associated with the impact of post-consumer plastic waste on the environment. The less amplified impact of plastics includes the application of plastics in the management of waste in the different fields discussed herein. Membranes used in oil–water separation in the management of industrial wastes, container-based sanitation systems that serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional flush-based systems, and the widespread use of plastic containers in waste disposal are some of the areas discussed within the chapter.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 9. Some Non-plastic Materials and Their Environmental Impacts

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of alternative materials to plastic and their impact on the environment. Within the scope of this book, this chapter is intended to inform alternative materials selection on a more in-depth basis beyond simply avoiding plastics. Understanding some of the processes which go into producing materials that are commonly used as alternatives to plastics is important when comparing other materials with plastics. The chapter also looks at some applications where sustainable plastics such as recycled plastics may serve as more sustainable alternatives to other materials conventionally used in such applications.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 10. Sustainable Plastics

Abstract

Thus far, the book has reviewed the application of plastics in achieving various sustainable development agendas. This includes sustainable energy generation, water resource conservation, sustainable mobility, and more. Here, we look at how plastics themselves can be made sustainable. Within the scope of this book, sustainable plastics refer to plastics that can be produced, utilized, and disposed of in a way that does not lead to the degradation of the environment or depletion of limited resources. The goal here is to explore the different approaches that have been presented to achieve a closed-loop circular plastic economy.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 11. Plastics and Space Exploration

Abstract

The plastic age seems to have coincided with the new space age. While we seek to redefine the role of plastic in global society, in this chapter we review how human’s century-old affair with plastic has already extended far beyond the globe into space. From spacesuits to parachutes and several parts of the spacecraft, plastics are used extensively in space missions. The significance of plastics therefore extends to the significance of space exploration to humanity. With the increased frequency of space missions in recent years by both private and public organizations, a new niche is expected to emerge for space plastics. This chapter reviews the different aspects of plastics used in space exploration toward a more sustainable path for the plastic industry in the new space age.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 12. Plastics in Construction: Toward Green Buildings and Climate-Resilient Cities

Abstract

As more of the world becomes urbanized, more infrastructures and buildings are being constructed. Implementation of green buildings and infrastructure is vital to achieving sustainable urbanization and population growth. Plastics play a key role in this regard. This is primarily through the implementation of sustainable plastics and the use of plastics to reduce or eliminate the use of more toxic and less environmentally friendly materials like asbestos. Plastics have also proved to have better performance in some applications in construction than conventional materials like steel while offering cost savings. Plastics have been key materials in constructing affordable homes by cutting time and material use, thereby reducing cost through their compatibility with techniques such as 3D printing and the reduced transportation cost due to their lightweight nature. We also look at how plastics can be used in constructing buildings and infrastructure that are better fit to withstand the challenges from climate change and environmental pollution such as adapting buildings to flooding and heat waves.

Ololade Olatunji

Chapter 13. Future Outlook, Conclusion, and Recommendations

Abstract

This book has presented the various roles of plastics in multiple aspects of sustainable development. Based on the findings of the review, this chapter seeks to present a perspective on the future of plastics in a world that is striving to achieve sustainable development goals. It looks at the technologies that are underway or required, the policies and consumption behaviors that need to be modified, and the research to be undertaken to enable the plastic industry to better fit into a circular economy.

Ololade Olatunji

Titel: Re-envisioning Plastics Role in the Global Society
verfasst von: Ololade Olatunji
Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-48945-7
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-48944-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48945-7

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