Grp03_Plastic1
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Apr 3, 2024
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Simon Fraser University REM 100 LCA Assignment Page 2 of 7 Spring 2023 1. Extraction and production of raw materials Description of the materials required for grocery bags and their extraction/production process The process of developing a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bag begins with the extraction phase. This is where raw materials are extracted from the environment to be used later on in the production phase. The first step is to extract crude oil or natural gasses from underground through the use of drilling wells (AAA Polymer, 2020). Once these materials have been taken out, they are sent to refineries where they are heated, this causes the molecules to break apart and form monomers, such as ethylene. Ethylene is a hydrocarbon that facilitates the manufacturing of chemical goods (Carey, 2023). With the help of heat and pressure, ethylene is then polymerized into polyethylene resin. The process of polymerization takes place when a chemical reaction occurs between monomers creating polymer chains (AAA Polymer, 2020). This process results in the creation of plastic pellets which are then used to produce plastic bags. The amount of material required to make a plastic bag depends on the density and size of the bag, however, for the average sized plastic bag, it takes an approximate value of 174 pellets (Tunnell, 2019).
Environmental effects (adverse or beneficial) Although HDPE plastic bags are beneficial in some aspects, the production of them is associated with many negative environmental effects. The process relies on non-renewable energy resources, such as crude oil, and natural gasses. The extraction of these materials requires the utilization of drilling sites and refineries, which involves clearing large areas of forests, in turn greatly contributing to the deforestation of our environment (Nunez, 2022). Furthermore, when using these resources, a substantial amount of greenhouse gas emissions are produced, contributing to global warming and air pollution (Morse, 2022). Additionally, HDPE plastic bag production also plays a big role in land and water pollution. Given that plastic bags are non-biodegradable, they accumulate in landfills and water bodies, this is detrimental to marine life, and surrounding animals. These organisms can mistake the plastic debris for food, resulting in suffocation, toxicity, and physical harm. In order to mitigate these harmful effects on the environment, humans, and wildlife, reducing the production of plastic bags is crucial.
Social effects (adverse or beneficial) Not only does the production of plastic bags have significant effects on our environment, but it also results in social effects as well. Throughout the production process, the use of non-renewable resources releases toxic gasses into the atmosphere altering the air quality (Morse, 2022). In turn, people working in the factories, or living in surrounding areas are at higher risk of breathing the contaminated air. This can lead to serious health complications such as respiratory problems, cancer, and heart diseases (Peterson, 2018). Moreover, the extraction of crude oil and natural gasses require drilling wells which may pose risk to humans if a leak occurs. These raw materials that are released into the soil can seep into water sources causing contamination (Denchak, 2022). This contamination threatens the water security of communities by creating more risk of health complications.
Simon Fraser University REM 100 LCA Assignment Page 3 of 7 Spring 2023 2. Production of grocery bag Description of the production process of grocery bags There are three main steps involved in the manufacturing process of an HDPE plastic bag: extrusion, printing/sealing, and recovery. During the extrusion process, plastic pellets are melted and blended with stabilizers and dyes (if desired) to create molten plastic (Naik, 2018). The molten plastic is then blown into a long tube, which is cooled and flattened prior to the next step. Printing comes after, which is an optional step that allows brands to customize their bags with different designs and logos. Once the printing is complete, sealing occurs, which is where the plastic film is cut into its desired size, shaped, and then sealed (Méndez et al., 2018, p.6). The recovery stage involves taking excess pieces generating during the sealing stage and pelletizing them to be used for a different production rather than wasting materials (Méndez et al., 2018, p.6). The manufacturing of these high-quality bags requires many different steps that are essential for successful production.
Environmental effects (adverse or beneficial) Negative environmental effects are not only restricted to the extraction phase, but they are also present in the manufacturing process of HDPE plastic bags. Initially, the plastic pellets have to be transported to different facilities to undergo the manufacturing process, this contributes to air pollution. As mentioned, during the extrusion stage, stabilizers and dyes are added to the plastic pellets, similar to the printing process where dyes and ink are used. These chemicals are released into the atmosphere polluting the air and contributing to ozone depletion, which over time allows for harmful radiation to reach Earth’s surface (Méndez et al., 2018, p.2). Unfortunately, the process consumes a significant amount of energy as the machines involved are not very efficient in nature (Méndez et al., 2018, p.7). This is also a big contributor to air pollution due to greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental harm has caused some cities like Vancouver to ban single use plastic bags and shift towards the use of reusable bags in hopes to reverse the harmful effects caused and help save the planet.
Social effects (adverse or beneficial) Plastic bags are the most commonly used grocery bags due to their lightweight nature, convenience, and durability (National Geographic Society, 2022). The over consumption of these bags caused a high demand of production which provided many people with job opportunities and contributed to economic growth (Goldsberry, 2020). However, the overconsumption may have put workers at risk, depending on the country of production. Different countries have varying work conditions, workers can be exposed to harmful chemicals, such as dyes and additives when employers do not provide effective protection (Melgar, 2021). These toxins could also harm neighbouring communities through the vents causing harm to outside communities on top of the workers. Moreover, wages also vary from country to country, some employees may be underpaid for the description of the jobs, while others are paid adequately, this is another social issue caused by the production of HDPE plastic bags.
Simon Fraser University REM 100 LCA Assignment Page 4 of 7 Spring 2023 3. End-of-life (recycling and disposal) Description of end-of-life situation for grocery bag Environmental effects (adverse or beneficial) Social effects (adverse or beneficial)
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Simon Fraser University REM 100 LCA Assignment Page 5 of 7 Spring 2023 References AAA Polymer. (2020, January 7). How are plastic bags made?
AAA Polymer. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.aaapolymer.com/how-are-plastic-bags-made/ -
This article is written by “Plastic Experts” that run a business in the plastic industry inferring that they know about plastic production. Carey, F. (2023, January 16). Ethylene
. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/science/ethylene -
This definition is checked by the Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica making it a credible source. Denchak, M. (2022, June 1). Fossil fuels: The dirty facts
. NRDC. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/fossil-fuels-dirty-facts#sec-disadvantages -
NRDC is run multiple scientists that share their findings. Goldsberry, C. (2020, January 16). Despite bans, demand for retail bags forecast to grow
. plasticstoday.com. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/despite-bans-demand-retail-bags-forecast-grow -
The author has written multiple books and has been in the plastics industry for more than 30 years. Melgar, D. (2021, January 25). Toxic chemicals in single-use plastics are harming human health
. U.S. PIRG Education Fund. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://pirg.org/edfund/articles/toxic-chemicals-in-single-use-plastics-are-harming-
human-health/ -
Authors of this blog are researchers, policy analysts and attorneys that work together to share information.
Simon Fraser University REM 100 LCA Assignment Page 6 of 7 Spring 2023 Méndez, M., David, J., Rodríguez, S., & Ramón. (2018). Environmental assessment of ozone layer depletion due to the manufacture of plastic bags. Heliyon 4
, Vol.4
((12)), p.e01020-
e10120. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01020 -
Academic article in peer reviewed journal. Morse, E. (2022, July 29). Non-renewable energy
. Education. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/non-renewable-energy/ -
National Geographic is a well known website that shares information about the planet. Naik, M. (2018, November 15). A brief outline of the poly bag manufacturing process
. Engineering Review. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://engmag.in/a-brief-
outline-of-the-poly-bag-manufacturing-process/ -
The author is part of a really big plastic company called “XL Plastics” and he uses this blog to share his findings. National Geographic Society. (2022, July 21). Sustainable shopping-which bag is best?
Education. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/sustainable-shoppingwhich-bag-best/ -
National Geographic is a well known website that shares information about the planet. Nunez, C. (2022, December 7). Deforestation and its effect on the planet
. Environment. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/deforestation -
National Geographic is a well known website that shares information about the planet. Peterson, J. (2018, June 25). Environmental pollution caused by factories
. Sciencing. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://sciencing.com/environmental-pollution-caused-by-
factories-12071269.html
Simon Fraser University REM 100 LCA Assignment Page 7 of 7 Spring 2023 -
Information is written by highly educated individuals in the field of science. Tunnell, J. (2019, December 24). How many nurdles does it take?
The Reserve. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://missionaransas.org/news/how-many-nurdles-does-it-take -
Article is written by the director of the Mission Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve at the University of Texas.
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