♻️Plastics & Sustainability—What’s the Full Story?

Plastics often get a bad rap—but the reality is more nuanced. From energy savings to recyclability, plastics can be powerful tools in reducing environmental impact when used responsibly.

When it comes to packaging materials, not all are created equal. A recent Life Cycle Assessment from National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) and Franklin Associates found that compared to a 12 oz aluminum can, a 16.9 oz Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle:

• Consumes 80% less energy during production
• Uses 53% less water in manufacturing
• Creates 80% less solid waste by weight
• Has 74% lower global warming potential
• Produces 68–83% fewer harmful emissions that contribute to acid rain and smog

The takeaway? PET bottles have a significantly lower environmental impact than both aluminum and glass—with glass typically ranking highest in carbon footprint and energy use, followed by aluminum, then PET.

Fast Facts - What You Need to Know

• PET may have a smaller carbon footprint when compared to glass, aluminum, or paper in many uses.
• Lightweight and strong, plastics reduce energy use in manufacturing and transport compared with heavier materials.
• Durability matters—long-lasting plastic parts lower material waste over time.

MCAM’s Sustainability Approach

At Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Material's, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s embedded in our material innovation:

• We extend product lifecycles by designing durable and high-performance materials.
• For example, TIVAR® UHMW-PE delivers unmatched wear resistance and stability across a wide temperature range, so parts last longer and break less often.
• By using engineered materials that resist wear and stress, we reduce recycling needs and minimize waste over time.

Why This Matters

• Manufacturing and logistics are more energy-efficient when using lightweight, high-durability plastics.
• Extending product life reduces both resource use and material disposal needs.
• When it's time to retire parts, sustainable options and recycling pathways strengthen circularity.

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Bottom Line

The sustainability narrative around plastics is evolving. When used and recycled properly, PET and engineered plastics can deliver significant environmental performance—especially compared with heavier, higher-impact packaging options.

👉 Read the full article on Material Matters

📩 Have a question? Reach out to our team on MCAM Connect or learn more about our materials below ⬇️