In the article “Duo Turned Plastic Waste into a Concrete
Idea,” Goy (2016) explains that the company BlueRen discovered a method of
integrating carbon nanotubes from converted plastic waste into cement through a
sustainable method. The article quotes co-founder Aravind Muthiah, who explains
that their “technology is about upcycling, and converts plastic waste into
high-value products.” The process turns plastics into hydrocarbon gases,
creating the carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are beneficial due to its
characteristics that can aid in the reduction of cement by 30% in concrete.
Despite the multiple benefits, usage is constrained as the nanotubes are
expensive and release harmful gases. To combat these issues, BlueRen came out
with a recycling process using alternative mineral as a catalyst that is less
harmful to the environment. BlueRen plans to expand on their prototype and to
commercialise its technology. While the author
mentioned the multiple benefits of carbon nanotubes, there are still
significant environmental impact on recycling plastics that are not discussed
in detail as there are a staggering amount of plastic waste being generated in
Singapore.
In order to realise the importance of recycling plastic, we must first understand the amount of plastic waste generated in Singapore. According to Zero Waste Singapore, they state that there are 832,200 tonnes of plastic waste generated and only 7% were being recycled. Incinerating plastics will produce poisonous gases. They also mentioned that plastic waste takes up landfill spaces as it requires centuries to break down. Based on Bio-Tech Environmental, plastic waste not only harms the environment, it also contaminates soil and water.
Despite numerous benefits that may come with recycling plastic waste, there are several complications. Based on Soffar (2016), volatile organic compound (VOC) is one is the environmental impacts upon melting plastic. This action cause VOC to be released. When VOCs are released into the atmosphere, it is toxic to plants and animals that are near the site. Usage of the recycled plastics containing VOCs poses serious health risk to users. Plastic Resin, which is produced from the manufacturing and recycling process can seep into food that are stored in the recycled plastic containers. The amount of chemicals that users absorb can increase based on factors like temperature, type of plastic and plastic age. This might damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Another problem is the carbon emissions generated when melting plastic waste. This greenhouse gas causes global warming and that is already affecting our climate. Recycling centre employee might find unrecyclable plastics and discard it improperly. Unrecyclable plastic includes plastic that consist of food waste or debris. Plastic in general are not considered under hazardous waste and recycling it is not mandatory, such waste can be improbably discarded and plastic waste problem continues. Another disadvantage of plastic recycling is downcycling. The potential health threats that recycled plastic present makes is actually downcycling. Instead of recycled plastics becoming a useful product like plastic cups, it becomes a different and less useful product. Recycled plastic limited use is not favourable as it loses out to new plastics and other recycled materials.
In order to realise the importance of recycling plastic, we must first understand the amount of plastic waste generated in Singapore. According to Zero Waste Singapore, they state that there are 832,200 tonnes of plastic waste generated and only 7% were being recycled. Incinerating plastics will produce poisonous gases. They also mentioned that plastic waste takes up landfill spaces as it requires centuries to break down. Based on Bio-Tech Environmental, plastic waste not only harms the environment, it also contaminates soil and water.
Despite numerous benefits that may come with recycling plastic waste, there are several complications. Based on Soffar (2016), volatile organic compound (VOC) is one is the environmental impacts upon melting plastic. This action cause VOC to be released. When VOCs are released into the atmosphere, it is toxic to plants and animals that are near the site. Usage of the recycled plastics containing VOCs poses serious health risk to users. Plastic Resin, which is produced from the manufacturing and recycling process can seep into food that are stored in the recycled plastic containers. The amount of chemicals that users absorb can increase based on factors like temperature, type of plastic and plastic age. This might damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Another problem is the carbon emissions generated when melting plastic waste. This greenhouse gas causes global warming and that is already affecting our climate. Recycling centre employee might find unrecyclable plastics and discard it improperly. Unrecyclable plastic includes plastic that consist of food waste or debris. Plastic in general are not considered under hazardous waste and recycling it is not mandatory, such waste can be improbably discarded and plastic waste problem continues. Another disadvantage of plastic recycling is downcycling. The potential health threats that recycled plastic present makes is actually downcycling. Instead of recycled plastics becoming a useful product like plastic cups, it becomes a different and less useful product. Recycled plastic limited use is not favourable as it loses out to new plastics and other recycled materials.
In general, BlueRen’s technology is about upcycling, and converting plastic waste into high value product. Furthermore, a different catalyst is being used to reduce the environmental impact. Comparing the numerous pros and cons of plastic recycling, it shows that converting plastic into carbon nanotubes will significantly decrease plastic waste and cause less impact on the environment. Using this technology, carbon nanotubes can be widely used in the industries.
The Disadvantages of Recycled Plastics. (April 24, 2017) Sciencing. Retrieved (February 04, 2018) from
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). (August 23, 2017) U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved (February 04, 2018) from
Environmental Effects of Plastic Pollution. (n.d.) Goecopure. Retrieved (February 04, 2018) from
Plastics Recycling. (December 8, 2008) zerowastesg. Retrieved (February 04, 2018) from
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