How many electronic devices do you have? How much do you use them every day? Let’s face it: many of us have at least a smartphone and another electronic device.
They have become part of our lives for personal use or because our work requires them. According to some sources, around 60% of the population worldwide owns a smartphone.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Consider, computers, tablets, smartwatches, and every accessory that comes with them. All these and more cause mountains of electronic and industrial waste each year.
What measures are big companies taking against this alarming reality? Is there a material that may be helpful in the reduction of industrial waste? Today, we will find out the answers to these and other questions.
Waste production in numbers
First, let’s analyze some of the official statistics about waste production worldwide.
- Solid waste: Globally, around 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste are produced each year. On average, each person generates about 0.74 kg of waste per day —dependant on region.
- Electronic waste (e-waste): In 2022, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research registered 62 million tons of e-waste. A record that is expected to rise by 32% before 2030.
- Industrial waste: Every year, industrial facilities in the United States generate and dispose of approximately 7.6 billion tons of solid waste.
- Overproduction waste: Overproduction in the textile industry, for example, generates about $400 billion worth of wasted products annually due to overproduction. The impact of overproduction on the environment relies on the consumption of vast amounts of water, energy, and raw materials.
- Disposable products/materials: Many electronic products are accompanied by excessive or non-recyclable packaging. In the United States alone, discarded electronics, including their packaging, account for approximately 70% of the heavy metals present in landfills. The packaging used for electronic devices, typically consisting of plastic, styrofoam, and cardboard, further exacerbates the pollution caused by the increasing waste from single-use materials.
- Industrial maintenance: Pollution resulting from industrial maintenance, especially in industries such as construction and manufacturing, plays a substantial role in global waste generation. Whether it is for the maintenance of the facilities, or the tools and equipment.
Sustainable materials as an option to reduce waste
Many researchers have focused on sustainable materials and manufacturing. Especially when it comes to the waste produced by technological and construction industries.
Even if we make individual changes to reduce the ecological footprint, it won’t be enough if the big industries do not adapt their operations to service the critical need of preserving the environment.
By embracing sustainable practices, industries can play an important role in creating a more sustainable future. Using sustainable materials not only contributes to environmental preservation but also fosters economic growth and enhances social responsibility. These advantages can be summarized as the following:
- Energy and cost efficiency
- Conservation of natural resources
- Reduction of industrial waste
- Reduction of the carbon footprint
- Improvement of long-lasting products
- Healthier work environments by avoiding toxic materials
Popular sustainable materials
Many sustainable materials are natural resources that can be easily found and adapted depending on the region they are found. This is a practice that was once adopted by ancient civilizations, mainly incorporated into construction. Nowadays, many of these materials are used to produce different items.
They may be natural or recycled materials. In fact, many environmental organizations have spoken about the importance of turning recycled waste into a new resource.
Here is a list of some of the most popular sustainable materials that play a crucial role in various industries, including clothing, energy, and technology. These materials not only contribute to environmental conservation but also support innovation and responsible consumption in their respective sectors:
- Bamboo
- Recycled/biodegradable plastics
- Organic cotton
- Cork
- Straw
- Polyurethane
- Reclaimed wood
- Lyocell/Tencel
- Recycled metal
- Natural rubber
In addition to these advantages, since sustainability also focuses on improving the service life of products, it can represent a benefit in the long run by eliminating the need to replace machinery parts or devices.
Do you want to know more about the products in which sustainable materials are incorporated? Do industries really use them? Here’s a video that might help you find out more about sustainable materials in construction, while we analyze polyurethane and why it can be an appealing choice.
Polyurethane as a sustainable material incorporated in industrial processes
Polyurethane is a common plastic material due to the multiple presentations and versatility it has. It was discovered in 1937 by Otto Byer and his colleagues. They found that by reacting diisocyanates with polyols, they could polymerize a material with elastic properties to create coating, adhesives, foams, and fibers.
Polyurethane is extensively utilized across a wide range of industries, including agriculture, automotive, engineering, and renewable energy, among others. Its popularity stems from its remarkable versatility in adapting to various industrial requirements, as well as its distinctive characteristics.
- Durability
- Elasticity
- Thermic insulation
- Recyclability potential
- High-temperature resistance
- Lower production of CO2 emissions
- Biocompatibility
- Lightweight
- Customization
These properties enable polyurethane to fulfill diverse roles across multiple sectors, driving innovation and efficiency while addressing specific challenges at every stage of the process.
Applications and Benefits in Various Industries
For example, the use of polyurethane rollers is common in conveyor belts, ensuring efficiency and protection of the most delicate components for the technology industry.
Since polyurethan rollers have longer durability, there is little need for frequent replacement and it resists damage caused by exposure to heat and heavy use. A good example of polyurethane’s durability is when we compare it to rubber. Rubber tends to crack or deform easier especially under high temperatures.
We can find another example in the automotive industry, known for producing around 5% of the total global waste yearly. Producing components made of —or coated with polyurethane ensure a longer service life. As a matter of fact, many car parts and even tires are made of polyurethane.
The foam used in dashboards, seats, and other interior components is made of polyurethane. The insulation attributes of this foam prevent heat damage in cars, and also reduces interior noise levels
Furthermore, its energy efficiency features are also key to assisting with the affects of climate change. It is well known that we can reduce energy consumption —therefore, reducing CO2 emissions, just by maximizing energy efficiency. Going back to its insulation features, the use of polyurethane in domestic appliances like refrigerators and industrial freezers minimizes the use of energy.
In other words, polyurethane helps maintain internal temperature —whether hot or cold in a natural way by insulating the spaces and decreasing heat transfer, which reduces the need for additional use of energy.
Conclusion
As the awareness of the climate and environmental crisis we are facing today, scientists and environmental groups have led their efforts into the development, inclusion, and use of sustainable materials to reduce the high levels of industrial waste. Among several options, polyurethane has emerged as a particularly popular choice.
Its key attributes, including outstanding energy efficiency that helps reduce CO2 emissions and exceptional durability, make it a viable solution for industries seeking to enhance sustainability while minimizing their environmental impact. By embracing polyurethane and similar materials, we can make significant inroads toward a more sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential energy savings associated with using polyurethane?
According to experts, the energy efficiency associated with the polyurethane’s insulating feature incorporated in buildings could lower air pollution by up to 20%.
Are polyurethanes toxic?
Even if the material and the process might be dangerous to human health, the final products are not toxic. Many research show that polyurethane is a safe material.
How is polyurethane recycled?
There are various methods to recycle polyurethane, but clean incineration is considered the most eco-friendly option, as it generates energy while minimizing harmful emissions and reducing landfill waste.
References
Polyurethanes.org: Polyurethanes and energy efficiency
UN Environmental Program: Global Waste Management Outlook 2024
Environmental Protection Agency: Sustainable Materials Management