Energy and Climate!
The plastics industry continues to innovate in order to advance its contribution to an increasingly energy efficient society. Sustainable development is one of the driving forces for acting responsibly to protect the world’s resources for future generations. In this section, you will find out how plastics can play a major role in this.
PlasticsEurope is recognised as a key ally of the European Commission (agreement signed June 2007) and is part of the Sustainable Energy Campaign as a Campaign Associate.
Plastics and the Climate Change Paradox
Plastic products account for the use of just 4% of the World non-renewable fossil fuel consumption but, paradoxically, increased use of plastics would actually reduce the overall consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels and reduce society’s GHG emissions. Contrary to popular belief, reduced use of plastics of plastics would actually have the opposite effect - increasing the overall consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels and increasing society’s GHG emissions.
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A cosier world with plastics!
When properly installed, plastic insulation can cut heat or cold loss at home or school by up to 70%, making it so much warmer or cooler, cosier and energy-efficient!
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Lighter cars with plastics!
Plastic is an ideal material for use in car manufacturing. A modern mid-range car contains about 11% plastic material components. That means less weight, less fuel consumption and therefore less CO2 emissions.
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Flying further on less fuel with plastics!
Did you know that plastics are being used to replace more and more aircraft parts? The wing boxes of the Airbus A380 use plastic fibre composites, which reduces the aircraft by 1.5 tons. The aircraft can fly further and carry more cargo using the same amount of fuel, talk about energy-efficiency!
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Switch off the engine with plastics!
Using plastic to exploit the power of the wind can reduce a ship’s fuel consumption considerably, which means lower oil consumption and less CO2 emissions!
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A lighter world with plastics!
Plastics can even help you conserve your own energy! Plastic packaging means lighter shopping to carry home.
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Keeping it cool with plastics!
Today’s refrigerators use plastics in their insulation systems to ensure that your food and drinks stay fresher and cooler for longer whilst using less energy!
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More light for less energy!
Innovative technology and special plastic lenses used in today’s LEDs means that they are twice as bright as conventional types using the same amount of energy!
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Tapping the sun’s energy with plastics!
Did you know that harnessing solar power would be impossible without plastics? Solar panels are partly made from plastics, and solar power is a free, highly efficient energy source!
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Capture the wind’s power with plastics!
Wind power is free but did you know that capturing the power of the wind would be impossible without plastics? Special plastics are used in the wind turbine covers and huge blades to tap into this environmentally friendly energy source!
The development of renewable energy resources is booming. Solar and wind power, geothermal heat and biomass are inexhaustible. Already, entire regions in Europe are using renewable energy to meet their heating, hot water and electricity requirements with innovative solutions made from state of the art plastics!
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A better world with plastics!
Did you know that we use plastics to keep our homes warmer or cooler, our cars lighter and our food fresher? Plastics are also used to harness wind and solar energy resources cleanly and efficiently!
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