Plastic-is-everywhere
                     SCIENCE LESSON · MATERIALS
PLASTIC IS
EVERYWHERE
A material built from tiny repeating pieces — and shaped into almost anything.
01 · WHAT PLASTIC IS
PLASTIC BEGINS WITH LONG CHAINS OF MOLECULES
Small building blocks join into polymers: long, repeating molecular chains.
02 · FROM MATERIAL TO PRODUCT
HEAT AND PRESSURE TURN PLASTIC INTO PRODUCTS
SHAPE THE RESULT
JOIN THE CHAINS Heat and pressure form 
BUILD THE PIECES Building blocks link into bottles, films, fibers, or 
Raw materials become polymers. parts.
small building blocks.
03 · ONE FAMILY, MANY MATERIALS
DIFFERENT PLASTICS SOLVE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS
Rigid plastics Flexible plastics Foams and composites
Bottles, containers, helmets, Bags, food wraps, clothing Insulation, packaging, 
and device housings. fibers, and tubing. vehicles, and sports 
equipment.
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04 · WHY IT MATTERS
PLASTIC CHANGED MODERN MEDICINE AND TECHNOLOGY
Protection Medicine and safety Everyday technology
Lightweight packaging Plastic parts support Low cost and versatility 
protects food and reduces medical devices and safety make plastic useful in 
breakage. equipment. products and transportation.
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05 · THE TRADE-OFF
DURABILITY IS USEFUL — AND CREATES A WASTE CHALLENGE
The same molecular chains that make plastic last can also make it difficult to break down.
OECD projection: plastics lifecycle emissions are projected to rise from 1.8 Gt CO2e in 2019 to 4.3 
Gt CO2e in 2060.
06 · A SYSTEMS PROBLEM
RECYCLING WORKS BEST WHEN DESIGN AND SYSTEMS WORK TOGETHER
USE LESS
Avoid unnecessary 
single-use material.