Plastic Replacements: Win or Loss?

The plastic, more correctly to be addressed as polymers, are becoming a hot topic in media and also research. The plastics have been branded sometimes as an evil, which has to be replaced, in some cases at any cost. However, a coldblooded analysis and assessment are needed comparing all pros and cons based on environmental footprints quantification with full life cycle assessment. This should include assessment of possible health risks, consumed energy, released emissions and effluents, as well as consumption of raw materials, water and dealing with the wastewater. The assessment of recyclability, reprocessing and environmental burden is needed. The work tends to contribute to the discussion of what recommendations should be developed to the industry and business to minimise the environmental impacts. A Plastic Footprint has been assessed, and a novel Plastic Waste Footprint introduced.