Myths and truths about plastic

Increased environmental awareness has caused many people to pay more attention to plastic and reduce its consumption, especially disposable plastics. However, in many cases, plastic is taken as the villain of the story in an unduly manner. For you to better understand the impact of plastic on the environment, we have prepared a list with myths and truths about the material.

Read on:

• Plastic makes the product un-recyclable

Myth: Products that contain plastic are more resistant, which is why many people do not associate them with reuse. Even so, recycling is possible, and can be performed by the manufacturers of that product, as is the case of CPR, one of the Valgroup companies.

• Plastic packages offer a risk of contamination

Myth. Plastics are, in their majority, biochemically inert, do not react nor deteriorate in contact with other substances. Therefore, they pose no risk to human health or the environment when used or recycled.

• Heating plastic containers in the microwave and freezer can cause diseases

Myth. The legislation in force in Brazil establishes that the products should not release, under foreseeable conditions of use, undesirable, toxic or contaminating substances. Therefore, if the packaging complies with the standards stipulated by control agencies, such as the National Health Surveillance Agency – ANVISA, at no stage of its use will toxic substances

potentially be transferred to the food.

• Durability a big problem with plastic

Myth: Durability is one of the greatest qualities of plastics. This characteristic allows the material to be used for several applications, such as car bumpers, electronic structures and pipes.

• Products made with reusable plastic are of inferior quality

Myth: The option for the use of recyclable plastics does not independently determine the final quality of the product. After the material is collected, additives are incorporated and, in some cases, raw materials are added so that the recycled plastic has similar properties to virgin plastic. In other words, the quality is the same, and there is a clear sustainable advantage: the material returns to the productive chain, can become bottles for cleaning products, garden hoses and fibers for carpeting.