WEBINAR REPORT BACK – CAN STAINLESS STEEL COMPETE WITH PLASTIC?
Worldstainless recently hosted a fascinating webinar that pitted two ‘foes’ against each other and where stainless steel scored a knockout! It’s the age old debate fight between plastic and stainless steel and here at Sassda, we’ve always known the obvious answer to this question!
To shed light on the potential of stainless steel as a viable alternative to plastics, worldstainless Secretary- General Tim Collins who hosted the webinar showcased real-world examples. The webinar demonstrated how stainless steel products can effectively compete
with their plastic counterparts. With their low or zero maintenance requirements, stainless steel products offer a safe and sustainable future.
Collins said; “Plastics have become an integral part of our lives, revolutionising various industries such as healthcare, packaging, and fast food. However, the dark side of our reliance on plastics has come to the forefront. With only 9% of waste plastics being recycled, a significant portion ends up in landfills, posing a severe threat to our environment.”
“Moreover, humans ingest an average of 18kg of microplastics throughout their lifetimes, highlighting the extent of plastic pollution. As governments finally recognise the gravity of the global plastics legacy, an alternative material is emerging as a solution; namely stainless steel!”
The reason for this is that stainless steel possesses several features that make it a compelling alternative to plastics. Firstly, stainless steel products can be cleaned and reused numerous times, reducing product costs over an acceptable number of reuses. This not only saves money but also minimises waste, mitigating the environmental impact associated with disposable plastics.
Hygiene is another crucial factor where stainless steel outshines plastics. Unlike plastics, stainless steel has no discernible impact or harm on living creatures, foodstuffs, or beverages. This makes it an ideal choice for applications in healthcare, where safety and cleanliness are paramount.
Stainless steel boasts an impressive recycling rate, with 96% of end-of-life stainless steel being recycled to create new stainless steel products. This significantly reduces the environmental footprint of stainless steel and promotes a circular economy. Compared to other manmade materials, stainless steel stands out as one of the most environmentally friendly options.
The rise of stainless steel as an alternative material comes at a crucial time. Governments and industries are beginning to recognise the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat plastic pollution. Stainless steel offers a compelling alternative, with its reusable nature, hygienic properties, and impressive recycling capabilities.
Collins added; “As we confront the detrimental legacy of plastics, it is crucial to embrace materials that promote environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability. Stainless steel is poised to play a pivotal role in this transition, offering a cleaner,
safer, and more sustainable future for generations to come".