Plastic recycling in the art world: challenges and opportunities in dealing with plastic

The increasing production and the increasing consumption of plastics have led to numerous ecological challenges.

One of the greatest challenges is the management of plastic waste, which has become a global problem due to its effects on the biosphere and human health. As a result, the need for plastic recycling has become more important - also in the world of artists.

Recycling is a crucial step to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

In this article we will shed light on the challenges and opportunities of the plastic recycling. We also try to give insights into proven processes for plastic recycling that can help to minimize the negative effects of plastic waste on the environment and human health.

Read on and learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the plastic recycling for artists and visual artists.

Plastic in art - a controversial material

Is that art or pollution? When using plastic in the art scene, opinions sometimes differ widely. It is now a very controversial material - but with great design.

The name plastic suggests that it is a material that can be used for creative purposes. Unfortunately, it is often only used for disposable cutlery and disposable bags. The French word plastic literally calls us on creating works of art out of this material. As a material of the 20th century, plastic has significantly influenced and shaped the art world.

Plastic is a versatile material that can even float as a transparent object in the room. No wonder it is so popular with artists. It has democratized and simplified art by reducing the value of the material and turning the artist from the lonely studio artist to the designer of mass products.

In view of the fact are produced annually in Germany disposable art not seem to be far -fetched.

The handling, the versatility: Since the 1950s and 1960s, we have experienced incredible progress in the plastic industry. The first work is still very bound by earth, very dark, as there was no colors. But there was one thing from the start - the changeability.

Originally, plastic was a practical solution for many form problems and a inexpensive replacement for materials such as metal. Today, however, plastic is perceived as a problem and threat to the environment.

This ambivalence is now increasingly concerned with many artists, since plastic is a material that we are invented, which has now been out of control. In the art world, however, the idea of ​​the recycling very present and many artists already use existing or recycled materials.

Plastic can also take on new levels of meaning in art. Museums and artists act sustainably in a certain sense by preserving these things for posterity. As a result, there are also vehement defenders of plastic as work material in art.

Plastic and art - a historical digression

The beginning of plastic art can be precisely dated: In 1916 the Russian artist Naum Gabo "Tête No. 2" in Paris which still has classic-cubist trains. Rhodoid material used is still used for billiards.

Since then, the emergence of innovative plastic connections has increased steadily and has not yet been completed. The chemist Walter Bauer (1893–1968) contributed significantly to the development of polymethyl methacrylate, which is known as plexi or acrylic glass and has been available since 1933. Due to the transparent plastic plates, completely new design options opened up with light sources, refractions and vibrations.

Plastics have played an important role in art. They were used for stage sets and installations and have been an essential means of sculpture "realistic manifest"

The combination of light and plastic in particular opens up new possibilities. The artist Niki de Saint Phalle created her monumental female figures, the so -called nanas , exclusively from polyester, since no other material is so easy to form and lightweight.

The exhibition "Art & Plastics" in 1968 in Wiesbaden marked the breakthrough of plastics in the art world of the Federal Republic. The renowned art critic Peter Gorsen emphasized that plastics are by no means characterless and less form -saving, but have properties that go off natural materials such as wood, metal or stone.

Plastics stimulate the will to design in a certain, non-aluminum direction. Gorsen also argued that plastic reduces the scruple to grasp a work of art haptically. A “do-not-touch” sign on a plastic surgery seems absurd to us today. The design content of the artwork is higher, since the artist generally only designs it and does not carry out it himself.

The value of a work

Can a favorable material reduce the quality of a work of art? The works of Niki de Saint Phalle and Jeff Koons refute this assumption, while the artist Ottmar Hörl (*1950) demonstrates the opposite. He has been working with plastic figures for 40 years and emphasizes in an interview that a nurse should also be able to afford a hearing.

His works of art are available on the Internet from 50 euros. Hörl relies on mass production and has already manufactured 500 characters from Luther, Wagner and Marx for the anniversary. In 2020 Beethoven focused on his 250th birthday in Bonn.

At our-ludwig.com everyone can order a Beethoven for 300 euros. This makes art accessible to everyone. Hörl also appreciates the resistance of the material, since his figures are in public places and defy weather influences.

However, restorers see plastic as horror material, since its durability is limited and professional restoration is often impossible. Art as a classic consumer product with disposable mentality.

Plastic recycling and ethical questions

Alejandro Duran (*1974) follows a completely different approach in dealing with plastic. His motto is "Washed Up - Transforming A Trashed Landscape " and in this tradition he creates impressive works of art in the style of the "Object Trouvés" (see also the contribution "The art, plastic and artificiality" of the architectural magazine of the EMCO Group).

Duran collects plastic waste from all over the world, cleans the individual pieces and designs impressive environments from it that shudder and amaze the viewer. From the immense world of plastic waste, he creates art again that makes us doubt and despair our own consumption.

Duran looks like a transformer that holds the mirror made of plastic and hopes that we will recognize reality. The art of plastic is also an ethical challenge of our handling of this material.

Disused flip -flops are part of the gigantic amount of plastic waste that contaminates and rivers around the globe. In Kenya, the disused treads are processed into art objects.

the Nuremberg Art Villa has been presenting a fascinating special exhibition entitled "Natural Substances/Plastic - Plastic in Nuremberg Art" (the BR reported: "Controversial material: Plastic in art" )

It is impressively shown how the material once inspired the art scene in Nuremberg and is still inspired today. This exhibition is an absolute highlight for all art lovers and a must for everyone who is interested in the history of art in Nuremberg.

How big is the problem with plastic waste?

Let us - without restriction to our view to the art world alone - in general to the problem of plastic waste. What are the damage to the environment? How big are the challenges? And where are the chances of real change?

The global plastic production has risen in a leap in recent decades. In 1950, global plastic production was less than 2 million tons. In 2021 there are already over 390 million tons. Today it is expected that this trend will continue and that global pollution caused by plastics by 2030.

The uncontrolled disposal of plastic waste has led to a growing environmental crisis. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up on landfill and nature. As a result, the pollution of the planet has become one of the most urgent environmental problems of our time by plastic.

Some industry -leading packaging manufacturers such as Krus have recognized the extent of the problem and offer their customers more sustainable solutions. For example, individually printed plastic bags and bags be made from recycled materials. This is a good example of how companies try to reduce the negative effects of plastic waste.

Unfortunately, not all companies are so environmentally friendly, especially due to the challenges associated with plastic recycling. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important problems related to the recycling of plastic waste.

The challenges of the plastic recycling

Despite the increasing importance of plastic recycling, there are still some challenges that have to be addressed to make the process more effective and efficient. Here are some of the most important challenges:

Missing infrastructure for recycling

One of the biggest challenges for plastic recycling is the lack of infrastructure. In many areas, the infrastructure for the collection and processing of plastic is inadequate, which makes it difficult to collect and process plastic waste. This may mean that plastic waste ends up on landfolter instead of being recycled.

The complexity of the recycling process

Another challenge in connection with plastic recycling is the complexity of the process. Plastic recycling includes a number of steps, including sorting, cleaning, shredding and melting. The process can also be made more difficult by the fact that there are different types of plastic that all have their own properties and challenges. Therefore, the recycling process can be time -consuming and expensive.

Contamination is a big problem with plastic recycling, since even small amounts of unusable materials can make a whole batch of plastic waste for recycling unsuitable. This can be caused by a variety of factors, e.g. B. by incorrect sorting the waste in the pension phase by consumers who do not know how to separate and recycled.

Low demand for recycled plastics

Despite the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, the demand for recycled plastics is still relatively low. This can make it difficult for plastic recyclers to sell their products and make a profit. Therefore, many recycles are forced to dispose of their materials on landfills or in combustion plants. Upcycling also more of a niche than a solution on a broad level.

If the demand for recycled plastics is to be increased, more companies have to use recycled plastics in their products.

Opportunities for plastic recycling

To the extent to which society recognizes the importance of reducing plastic waste and the promotion of sustainability, more and more opportunities and initiatives are being created in the area of ​​plastic recycling. This includes:

Government initiatives and regulations for promoting recycling

Governments all over the world have recognized how important the reduction of plastic waste is and introduce regulations and initiatives to promote recycling.

The one-way plastic guideline of the European Union, introduced in 2018, obliges Member States, for example, to take measures to reduce the use of disposable plastics. Since more and more packaging manufacturers switch to fully recyclable materials, the demand for recycled plastics is expected.

Germany is the world's leaders in reuse of post-consumer plastics. Thanks to a number of effective state measures and a pronounced environmental awareness among the population, more than 66 % of plastic waste in Germany will be fed to recycling in 2021.

Technological progress in recycling methods

Advances in technology make plastic recycling more efficient and cheaper. For example, chemical recycling processes can convert plastic waste into new materials that can be used for a variety of applications.

These procedures can help to overcome some of the challenges of traditional mechanical recycling, such as the difficulties in sorting and cleaning plastic waste. In addition, these new technologies contribute to expanding the range of plastics that can be recycled and making the process more effective and efficient.

Cooperation between the representatives of the plastic industry

Cooperation between interest groups, including the government, industry and non -governmental organizations, is essential for improving plastic recycling. Through the cooperation, those involved can use knowledge, resources and proven procedures together to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste.

For example, partnerships with industry can help increase demand for recycled plastics, while non -governmental organizations can help to clarify consumers and promote recycling programs. Through their cooperation, those involved can create a more sustainable future for future generations.

Conclusion

The problem of plastic waste has become a global problem due to its effects on the environment and health. The industry still faces major challenges, such as B. the lack of infrastructure, the complexity of the process, the contamination of plastic waste, the low demand for recycled plastics and the limited awareness of consumers, but there are also some promising opportunities for growth and progress in the industry.

From state initiatives and regulations to technological advances and increased cooperation between the actors - the future of the plastic recycling looks more promising than ever! However, it is immensely important to remember that the success of the plastic recycling depends on the commitment of everyone involved, working together on a more sustainable future.

Ultimately, we all have to strive to apply more sustainable practices in our daily life in order to reduce our dependence on disposable plastics and to promote a more sustainable future. After all, we only have one planet and it is up to us to protect it.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/