Do plastics really not degrade?

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Plastics indeed degrade, and the idea that they do not is a misconception. Chris DeArmitt, a plastic materials scientist, explains that there are thousands of studies on the degradation of plastics, and a whole journal dedicated to this topic has been active for over 50 years. He emphasized that plastics, including plastic bags, degrade as rapidly as paper bags under certain conditions 1 2. Furthermore, the global market for plastic stabilizers, which are used to slow down the degradation of plastics, is valued between $2 billion and $8 billion annually. This substantial investment in stabilization technology underscores that plastics do degrade and considerable efforts are undertaken to manage this degradation 3.

The Plastic Paradox

Discover the surprising truth about plastic waste and its impact on the environment as Chris and Jordan delve into the weight and degradation of various materials. They discuss the importance of reusing plastic and offer an alternative solution to reducing waste.
The Jordan Harbinger Show
924: Chris DeArmitt | Rethinking Plastic's Environmental Impact
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