Kunststoffs

Kunststoffe (plastics) are a broad class of polymer-based materials that can be molded, drawn, or otherwise shaped into a wide range of products. Most are synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals, often formulated with additives to achieve properties such as strength, flexibility, color, heat resistance, or durability.

The term Kunststoffe encompasses materials developed from the late 19th century onward, with early milestones such as Bakelite and, later, polyolefins, which enabled mass production after World War II. Their combination of low weight, versatility, and low manufacturing costs led to widespread use in packaging, construction, electronics, and consumer goods.

Kunststoffe are commonly classified into thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, and elastomers. Thermoplastics, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polycarbonate (PC), soften when heated and can be remelted. Thermosets such as epoxy and phenolic resins form permanent networks. Elastomers, including synthetic rubbers, remain elastic over a range of temperatures.

Production is based on polymerization (addition or condensation) to form long chains, followed by shaping through extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, casting, or calendering.

While plastics offer advantages in weight, cost, chemical resistance, and design freedom, they pose environmental challenges, notably waste management, microplastics, and reliance on fossil feedstocks. Recycling, both mechanical and chemical, and strategies to improve recyclability are central to policy and industry.

Ongoing research explores biobased and biodegradable variants, advances in recycling technologies, and the transition to a circular economy with longer product lifetimes and better disassembly.