RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY OF THE GLOBAL PROBLEM OF PLASTIC WASTE
Authors:   Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Danylchuk S. 
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the field of plastics research has undergone significant growth and transformation, driven by the growing demand for sustainable and innovative materials. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the latest research and publications in the field of plastics, exploring new trends, material improvements, environmental impacts, manufacturing technologies, health, and safety considerations, applications, challenges, and future directions. As the world grapples with the environmental impacts of plastic waste, understanding the changing landscape of plastic research is becoming crucial in developing sustainable solutions and opening up new opportunities for the industry. Today, our world is on the threshold of global change and transformation. Every day, humanity is moving into the future with small but steady steps. And one of the main drivers that contributes to this is the economy. In recent years, its growth in the leading countries of the world has increased significantly. This was influenced by many factors, the main one being the increase in population. The development of the digital industry, which provides communication and connectivity. Improved export-import relations between countries, etc. All of this has created a favorable environment for the expansion of the global economy. But despite all the advantages and comfort created by economic growth, we need to pay attention to some negative aspects of this growth. And one of the main problems that economic growth creates is a significant increase in the amount of plastic in the world. Plastic is used in many industries, such as plastic wrap, medicine, cars, and electronics. There are many types of plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, and each has its own special properties that make it useful for different things. Any plastic manufacturing starts with collecting oil and gas and then begins to turn them into polymers through a process called distillation. These polymers are then turned into a substance called resin, which we use to make plastic products. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? But because the production and use of plastic is only increasing every year, we are facing a huge problem – plastic waste. About 380 million tons of plastic waste are produced annually in the world. Most of this waste ends up in our oceans and other water bodies. One of the reasons why plastic waste is such a big problem is that it doesn't biodegrade easily. In fact, they can remain in the environment for decades, even centuries! When plastic waste ends up in our oceans and other bodies of water, it can harm animals and marine life. They can also pollute water and land and even contaminate the air we breathe. Not only that, but some types of plastic can be toxic and cause disease. This is definitely not good for our health. So, plastic waste is a big problem that we have to solve. It's not just about keeping the environment clean, but also about protecting ourselves and the animals we share this planet with.