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 …

Jan 24, 2026 · plastic, polymeric material that has the capability of being molded or shaped, usually by the application of heat and pressure.

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

Sep 8, 2025 · Plastic pollution is growing a threat to ecosystems, the climate and our own health. What can be done to prevent it?

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.

Feb 10, 2026 · Plastic is pervasive in modern society, used in virtually every sector of the global economy and every aspect of human lives. This has led to a 20-fold increase in global production of …

5 days ago · Plastic recycling struggles today, but chemical, biological, and AI-driven breakthroughs could unlock true circular reuse and reduce global plastic waste.

In this article, we'll examine the chemistry of plastic, how it's made, how it's used, and how it's disposed of and recycled. We'll also look at some new biologically based plastics and their role in the future of …

Worried about bisphenol A (BPA) and other plastic chemicals? Read about types of plastics, how they're made and what the resin identification (recycling) numbers mean.