5.1.5

Polymers: Ecological & Social Footprint

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Ecological & Social Footprint

Ecological issues in the design and manufacture of products.

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Ecological issues

  • Polymers are made from crude oil.
  • Crude oil is a non-renewable source.
    • This means there are ecological issues involved in the manufacture and use of polymers.
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Sea life and wildlife

  • Digging for oil can have an impact on sea life and wildlife.
    • Drilling and transporting oil can allow oil to leak into the ocean.
  • Plastic pollution in the ocean means plastic is in our food chain.
    • Plastic particles are found in fish.
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Plastic pollution

  • Plastic pollution is a major issue for the world.
    • Plastics take a long time to biodegrade.
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Recycling plastics

  • Thermoforming plastics can be recycled.
    • Recycling plastic is better for the environment.
  • Thermosetting plastics cannot be recycled.

Jump to other topics

1Core Technical Principles

2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7Designing & Making Principles

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