1. Carrie Welker and Haiyan Fu November 8, 2011 Global Cycles: Plastic

2. Plastic: definition, history and production Definition: a synthetic polymer capable of being molded into various shapes or films History: first plastic in 1862. production took off during mid 1900s. Many new plastics developed. Production: Most plastics made from petroluem monomer  polymers

4. Global Plastic Cycle Plastics In process/ Use Landfills and Incinerated Raw Materials (mostly petroleum, plant materials…) Recycled ~ 10 % 250 million tons per year Exported

5. Plastic Residence Time (U.S. 2006 data only) Res. Time = amount in resevoir ÷ flux in = 240 million tons ÷ 55 million tons/year = 4.36 years Reservior Reservior Size(millon ton) Flux (millon ton/year) Resistance time (year) Plastic In240554.36 Landfill/ ocean ?44? Exported?3.4? Recycle?9.2?