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ABSTRACT: The economic viability of high-quality plastics versus recyclable plastics involves various
factors. High- quality plastics often provide better performance than recyclable plastics, but it is
also costlier due to their production processes and materials. Recyclable plastics. They are
cheaper production. They lower durability or performance. Economic viability requires
considering multiple aspects like production costs, market demands, environmental impact,
recycling, infrastructure, regulations, and end-user preferences. Recycled plastics, often contain
higher levels of chemicals such as toxic flame retardants, benzene and other carcinogens,
environmental pollutants including brominated and chlorinated dioxins, and numerous endocrine
disruptors that can cause changes to the body's natural hormone levels.
Recyclable plastics are derived from post-consumer or post-industrial plastic waste. Plastic are
polymers, long chains of atoms arranged in repeating units and when recycled, plastic actually
gets downcycled, meaning that the quality and durability decreases every time as these long
chains of atoms get broken down and shortened The economic evaluation of high-quality plastics
versus recyclable plastics is a multifaceted analysis encompassing several critical factors. While
high-quality plastics exhibit superior performance characteristics, their elevated costs, attributed
to intricate production processes and premium materials, contribute to a higher economic burden.
Conversely, recyclable plastics present a potentially more economical production alternative, yet
they may compromise on durability and overall performance. Achieving economic viability in
this context necessitates a comprehensive examination of various dimensions, including
production costs, market demands, environmental implications, recycling infrastructure,
regulatory frameworks, and end-user preferences. Striking a balance among these considerations
is imperative for informed decision-making in the plastic industry. A noteworthy aspect of
recycled plastics introduces a complex dimension. These materials often contain heightened concentrations of chemicals, such as toxic flame retardants, benzene, carcinogens, and
environmental pollutants like brominated and chlorinated dioxins. Furthermore, a myriad of
endocrine disruptors are present, potentially inducing alterations in the body's natural hormone
levels. This underscores the importance of understanding the environmental and health
ramifications associated with recycled plastics. |