Oil and natural gas are the primary raw materials used to produce plastic. Crude oil is refined to create a variety of products, including the chemicals and feedstocks that are used to make plastic. While it is difficult to estimate the exact amount of oil used to make plastic, it is estimated that approximately 4% of global oil production is used to produce plastic.
The exact amount of oil used to make plastic can vary depending on the type of plastic being produced and the specific manufacturing process being used. Some plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are made from simple hydrocarbons derived from oil and natural gas. Other plastics, such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), require more complex chemical processes and may require additional feedstocks beyond oil and natural gas.
In addition to the oil used to make plastic, there are also significant environmental impacts associated with plastic production and use. Plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, and plastic pollution has become a major environmental issue in many parts of the world. Plastic pollution can harm wildlife and marine ecosystems, and can also have negative impacts on human health.
There are efforts underway to reduce the amount of oil used to produce plastic and to reduce plastic waste. One approach is to develop new materials and manufacturing processes that use more sustainable and renewable feedstocks. For example, bioplastics are made from renewable materials such as plant-based starches and sugars, and can be biodegradable or compostable.
Another approach is to reduce plastic waste through improved recycling and waste management. By increasing the amount of plastic that is recycled and reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment, we can reduce the environmental impacts of plastic production and use.
In conclusion, while it is difficult to estimate the exact amount of oil used to make plastic, it is clear that plastic production is a significant contributor to global oil consumption. Plastic pollution is also a major environmental issue, with negative impacts on wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Efforts to reduce the amount of oil used to produce plastic and to reduce plastic waste are underway, including the development of new materials and manufacturing processes, and improved recycling and waste management.