This year has already brought several changes to the plastic industry. The Ukraine/Russia conflict means possible supply chain disruptions and higher prices on critical materials like natural gas and petroleum products. Manufacturers, too, will be affected by the signed of the new UN treaty titled “End Plastic Pollution: Towards an internationally legally binding instrument.” This treaty, which aims to end the scourge of plastic pollution, addresses the production, design and disposal of plastic and will develop over the next two years. As of early March, nearly 200 world leaders and representatives have signed the treaty. 
These and other current events will continue to shape the plastics industry in 2022. Here is a deeper look at three of the biggest trends to expect this year and beyond.
1. Continued focus on environmental impact
One of the biggest trends this year will be the renewed and continued focus on environmental impact. Climate change and environmental pollution have been hot topics for decades, but the new UN treaty has already brought a new focus on plastics and the environment. Many consumer habits are now also changing to a stronger focus on reducing carbon footprints and eliminating landfill waste.
Manufacturers should expect a resurgence in the focus of government requirements to reduce carbon emissions, energy used during manufacturing and recycling methods of waste and unused products and materials.
But this isn’t necessarily bad news for the plastic industry.
Because plastic is lighter than many alternative materials, the product has a lower energy level needed to produce and lower carbon emissions. Plastics will continue to be an important material in fuel-efficient modes of transportation and used, perhaps even more soon, in things like cars, trains and planes. Plastic is also seen as a more environmentally-friendly option for packaging smaller items. In fact, a recent study from the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment found that glass baby food jars produced nearly a quarter more greenhouse gasses than plastic packaging
2. Examination of durability of plastic products
With the continued look at environmental impact, the product’s lifecycle will also be a primary focus of 2022.
There are, of course, many types of plastic, but generally speaking, most are strong, long-lasting and can resist breaking and damage. This means that plastic products are generally stronger than glass or other alternative packaging. And plastic products tend to have a longer lifecycle and are less likely to end up in landfills.
Consumers, too, will continue to look for functionality and ease of use. For example, children’s cups, plates and bowls, for example, need to be highly durable and easy to clean.
This year, expert consumers and experts will continue looking at the durability of plastics and how it affects their overall life cycle. Manufacturers, too, will most likely be testing the most durable plastic options, as well.
3. Demand for antimicrobial properties
The last few years have brought a significant concern over the spread of bacterial and viruses. Therefore, one of the biggest trends for this year will be built-in antimicrobial technology that actively prevents microbial growth on plastic products.
Some plastics, like food packages, telephones, light switches, and remotes, can be a hotbed for bacteria, and consumers are more concerned about this than ever. This has created a demand for built-in antimicrobial technology that prevents bacterial growth on plastic products. Currently, several formations can be used in plastic products to reduce this occurrence. Expect this to be a trend that continues for some years in the future.
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