plastici

Plastici is the plural form of plastico in Italian and is used in two main senses. In materials science and everyday language, plastici refers to plastic materials—synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers used in countless products. In art and cultural contexts, it can denote the plastic arts (arti plastiche), a field of visual arts focused on form and material manipulation, including sculpture, ceramics, and installation.

Plastic materials are derived largely from petrochemicals, with monomers such as ethylene, propylene, styrene, and vinyl chloride joining to form polymers. They are typically categorized as thermoplastics, which soften on heating and can be remolded; thermosetting plastics, which harden irreversibly; and elastomers, which are highly elastic. Common plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polyesters; bioplastics based on polylactic acid or other renewable feedstocks are increasingly used.

Manufacturing and processing methods include polymerization, extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and calendaring, enabling mass production of films, fibers, containers, and structural components. Applications span packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, consumer goods, medical devices, and more. Their properties—lightweight, durability, chemical resistance, and design flexibility—drive wide use, but pose environmental challenges due to persistence and fragmentation into microplastics.

End-of-life options include mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, energy recovery, and, in some cases, disposal. Recycling rates vary by polymer and region; design for recyclability and material reuse are key strategies in reducing waste. Safety concerns focus on additives such as plasticizers and flame retardants that may migrate into food or the environment.

Historically, plastics emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries and rapidly expanded after World War II, transforming manufacturing and everyday life.