Reader's Response Final

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 approach. 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 their 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 developed a recycling process using an alternative mineral as a catalyst that is less harmful to the environment. BlueRen plans to expand on its prototype and to commercialize its technology. While the author mentioned the multiple benefits of carbon nanotubes, there are still significant environmental impacts from plastic recycling that the author did not discuss in detail.

One example of the environmental impact that the author did not mention is the production of volatile organic compound (VOC). According to Soffar (2016), VOC is one is the environmental impacts of melting plastic. Government of Canada stated that VOCs are organic compounds that have high vapour pressures and can evaporate readily into the atmosphere. When VOCs are released into the atmosphere, they are one of the main sources for the formation of ground-level ozone and its particulate matter causes smog. Furthermore, VOCs are also toxic to plants and animals that are near to the pollutant origin. Usage of the recycled plastics containing VOCs poses a serious health risk to users.

The production of plastic resin is another example of environmental impacts from the manufacturing and recycling process. They can seep into food that is stored in the recycled plastic containers. The amount of harmful chemicals that users absorb can increase based on certain factors like temperature, types of plastic and the plastic age. This environmental issue is related to the health issues and it causes damages to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. 

Another source of environmental impact is the unrecyclable plastic waste found during the recycling process. Hartman (2017) mentioned that recycling centre employees might find unrecyclable plastics and discard them improperly. Unrecyclable plastic includes plastic that consists of food waste or debris. Plastic, in general, are not considered under hazardous waste and recycling it is not mandatory, such waste can be improperly discarded and the plastic waste problem continues. 

Hartman (2017) explained that downcycling is the recycling of plastic into a less valued product than its predecessor. The recycled plastic has limited use as compared to new plastics and other recycled materials. After the plastic has been recycled once, it is usually ineligible for another round of recycling. This would mean that the recycled plastics will eventually end up in the landfill despite having been made into a less useful product. Downcycling is just delaying the inevitable process of plastics ending up in the landfill as the industries constantly demand for new plastic.

In general, BlueRen’s technology is about converting plastic waste into a high-value product and this technology will eliminate downcycling. Although carbon nanotubes can be effective and readily available, the mentioned environmental impacts from plastic recycling should be taken into serious considerations. The continual of recycling plastic will only worsen the impacts that are already present. (567 words)

References:

Bio-tec. (n.d.) Environmental effects of plastic pollution. Goecopure. Retrieved, February 04, 2018 from http://www.goecopure.com/environmental-effects-of-plastic-pollution.aspx

Goy. P. (January 11, 2016). Duo turn plastic waste into a concrete idea. The Straits Times.http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-idea

Hartman, D. (April 24, 2017). The disadvantages of recycled plastics. Sciencing. Retrieved, February 04, 2018 from https://sciencing.com/disadvantages-recycled-plastics-7254476.html

Richards, H. (August 05, 2014 ). Plastic Recycling: The process, advantages and disadvantages. 33^rd Square. Retrieved (February 04, 2018) from  http://www.33rdsquare.com/2014/08/plastic-recycling-process-advantages.html

Soffar, H. (July 28, 2016). Plastic recycling advantages and disadvantages. Science Online. Retrieved, February 04, 2018 fromhttps://www.online-sciences.com/industries/plastic-recycling-advantages-and-disadvantages/

Volatile organic compounds overview. (June 22, 2017). Government of Canada. Retrieved February 04, 2018 from https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-pollution/sources-industry/volatile-organic-compounds-consumer-commercial/overview.html

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). (August 23, 2017). U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved, February 04, 2018 from https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=31

Zero Waste Singapore. (December 8, 2008). Plastics recycling. Retrieved, February 04, 2018 from http://www.zerowastesg.com/2008/12/08/plastics-recycling/