Muovien

Muovien is Finnish for plastics in the genitive plural, and it is used to refer to plastic materials in general or to plastics in specific contexts (for example muovien kierrätys, the recycling of plastics). The base word muovi denotes a broad class of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers that can be shaped by processing.

Plastics are typically composed of polymers—long molecular chains—often derived from petrochemical feedstocks, though biobased variants exist. They can be molded, extruded, or formed into a wide range of products. Plastics are valued for properties such as light weight, durability, and versatility, but their persistence in the environment and production impacts have driven concerns and policy actions.

Major families of plastics include thermoplastics, which can be melted and remolded, and thermosets, which cure into a rigid network. Common thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Thermosetting plastics such as epoxies and phenolics are used where heat resistance and structural integrity are essential. Bioplastics, derived from renewable feedstocks or designed for easier degradation, represent a growing segment.

Applications of muovien span packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. The widespread use of plastics has raised environmental concerns due to pollution, microplastics, and waste management challenges. Strategies to mitigate impacts include recycling (mechanical and chemical), design for recyclability, material substitution, and waste reduction within a circular economy framework.