Discuss the environmental issues associated with the use of polymers in product design and manufacture

Polymers may have a large environmental impact at all stages in their life. Oil extraction is energy intensive and may result in spills, directly affecting the local ecosystem. Oil processing to produce the raw material, followed by product manufacture, is also energy intensive and may emit fumes which are harmful to humans and the environment. The energy source to power these processes may not be renewable, emitting greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. Single-use plastics can litter local environments and public spaces, and as most commercial polymers are non-biodegradable, they may remain intact for decades. If consumers incorrectly dispose of polymer products, these can end up in landfill. Even the recycling of polymers is energy and chemically intensive, which could result in further production of toxic fumes and greenhouse gases.