Apresentação Essencial

Plastic Water Bottles– Facts and Information

Ana Rita Correia 10ºA Maria João Costa 10ºA Sara Dias 10ºA

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English-Teacher Elisabete Gonçalves

March 2024

Introduction to Plastic

Plastic has a decomposition period of approximately 400 years, and its production is exaggerated. Another drawback is that if this waste reaches the sea, where the plastic breaks down into smaller particles, these are ingested by fish, other sea animals and seabirds.

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Types of Plastic

The most common plastic polymers are:

• PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which is used in plastic bottles. It can be recycled into fiber and reused in winter clothing, surfboards, among others.
• HDPE (high density polyethylene) is used in the manufacture of bottles, detergent containers, milk, oil and bags, it can also be used in drainage pipes, recycling containers, tables, mailboxes and fences.

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Manufacturing Process

Plastic bottles have a certain production method. There are several methods to produce plastic bottles:

• Blow molding via extrusion
• Molding via injection
• Calendring
• Blow molding
• Lamination
• Foundry

The most common methods are blow molding via extrusion and molding via injection.

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Characteristics of the Plastic Used

Properties: Physical properties

• Light-
• Durable
• Flexible
• Malleable

Chemical properties

• Fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas for production
• Heat resistance

Characteristics: Physical characteristics

• Transparent or green with shine
• High mechanical and thermal resistance

Chemical characteristics

• High rigidity
• High hardness
• Good resistance to deformation

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Chemical Additives

The main additives used in plastics are: substances used with the aim of adding, eliminating, increasing or decreasing certain properties, such as resistance, finishing and hardness. It is also possible to find different additives used in the composition of plastics.

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Life Cycle of Plastic Water Bottles

Production

Recycling

Consumption

Reuse

To be made, a plastic bottle goes through a long process using many resources. After purchasing a plastic water bottle only lasts about 12 minutes. It takes an average of 450 to 500 years for a plastic bottle to decompose.

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Sustainable Alternatives

To reduce the consumption of plastic bottles, we can choose to use metal bottles which are durable and keep water fresh/hot for longer, but are more expensive and heavier. Bamboo water bottles are also a great alternative if you're looking for a more sustainable option. Bamboo is a renewable resource and its bottles are biodegradable. They are also lightweight and keep water cool/warm. Another possible option is glass water bottles, a great alternative to plastic, but they can be heavy and fragile. If you want a durable and lightweight water bottle, consider a stainless steel or aluminum bottle.

glass water bottles

metal water bottles

bamboo water bottles

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Conclusion

In this work we can conclude that plastic water bottles are not biodegradable. Its decomposition can take up to 500 years. To reduce plastic, we can, for example, use these bottles to make toys (such as cars, sensoryactivities) for little ones, use glass or metal bottles and also clothes. We can also create celebration days or campaigns to encourage the reduction of plastic bottles.

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