Authored By: SDI Plastics

Beaches, chunks of land filled with rubbish and the gutters of the streets are just a few locations where one can find pieces of plastic lying around. A material that was once considered a ‘miracle’ has now morphed into a foe of modern day society, and for the world as a whole. The production rate of plastic is seriously concerning, with an estimated figure of around 400 million tonnes a year. Even more shocking, over 40% of plastic is single use.

The situation is dire, there is no easy way to hide the fact that it only gets uglier from here. Anything above dead last on the list of recyclable materials, this horrid waste is incinerated, dumped, or in the worst cases thrown into the ocean. Destruction of sea life comes as a side effect, and microplastics find their way into the food chain.

Along with all these facts no one seems to pay attention to, 90% of the produced plastic is still waiting to be reckoned with, and there doesn’t seem to be a solution in the near future. Humanity as a whole clearly seems to have found an issue, but the plastic plague is somewhat remedied thanks to the development of modern technology.

With the help of these groundbreaking discoveries we are able to change the process of creation, usage, and disposal of plastic. In Australia, companies such as SDI Plastics are reversing the changes, making way for a plastic-savvy future and aiding this new age tech shift.

How did we get here? A quick context

Plastic wasn’t always the villain. In fact, its invention was a scientific marvel. It replaced ivory, glass, metal, and other expensive or ecologically harmful materials. Plastic made goods more affordable, lightweight, and durable. From food packaging to life-saving medical devices, its utility is undeniable.

The problem began when our consumption outpaced our control. The rise of convenience culture – single-use bags, bottles, wrappers-coupled with insufficient recycling infrastructure created a disastrous imbalance. Add to that the economic incentive of virgin plastic (often cheaper than recycled alternatives), and the result is what we see today: a deluge of plastic with nowhere to go.

The technological revolution in plastic sustainability

Luckily, we’re now witnessing a tech-driven pivot towards sustainability. From advanced recycling systems to biodegradable polymers, here’s how science and innovation are reshaping the plastic narrative:

1. Chemical recycling – closing the loop properly

Traditional recycling (mechanical recycling) involves sorting, cleaning, shredding, and remelting plastics. However, it can only be done a limited number of times and isn’t suitable for all plastic types.

Chemical recycling, also known as advanced recycling, breaks plastic down into its molecular building blocks. These can then be reused to create new plastic of the same quality as virgin material.

Technologies such as pyrolysis, depolymerisation, and solvolysis allow us to process contaminated or mixed plastics that were once destined for landfills.

The upside?

• Circular economy potential
• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
• Improved material recovery

Leading global innovators, including startups and large corporations, are now investing heavily in this space, making it one of the most promising frontiers.

2. Biodegradable and compostable plastics

Imagine a plastic bag that decomposes like a banana peel. That’s the promise of bioplastics – plastics made from natural materials like corn starch, sugarcane, or even algae.

Even better, some are designed to biodegrade under specific conditions. Technologies are now producing plastics that break down in industrial composting facilities or even marine environments.

However, it’s not all rosy – these solutions must be paired with the right disposal systems. Still, they offer exciting opportunities in sectors like packaging, agriculture, and food service.

3. AI-powered waste sorting

A major barrier to efficient recycling is poor sorting. When different plastic types get mixed, the recycled material becomes low-grade and often useless.

Modern recycling plants are now using AI-driven sensors and machine vision systems to detect, sort, and separate plastics based on their type, colour, shape, and even chemical composition.

These automated systems can sort with up to 95% accuracy, dramatically improving the quality and volume of recycled plastics.

4. 3D printing with recycled plastic

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is changing the way we think about production. What’s even more impressive is the use of recycled plastic filaments as the base material.

Startups and research labs around the world are now turning waste plastics into filament spools for 3D printers. These are being used to make everything from home décor to prosthetics, engineering prototypes to furniture.

This decentralised approach to manufacturing could be a game changer, especially for developing countries or areas lacking industrial infrastructure.

5. Innovations in plastic injection moulding

Let’s bring the focus home to the heart of how most plastic components are made: plastic injection moulding. Modern advancements in this field are reducing waste at the production level.

Some key technologies include:

• Precision moulding: Producing exact shapes with minimal excess material
• Closed-loop recycling within factories: Reusing offcuts and rejects immediately
• Energy-efficient machines: Cutting power use without sacrificing speed or quality
• Smart mould design: Allowing for versatile product outputs with reduced retooling

6. Consumer-focused digital tools

Technology is also empowering individuals to play their part. From apps that guide users to recycling bins, to digital marketplaces for recycled goods, there’s a growing ecosystem of consumer-friendly tools.

Some apps even use gamification to reward recycling behaviour, turning everyday citizens into sustainability champions.

Why is circular design the true goal?

Ultimately, the most sustainable plastic is the one that’s never wasted. This is where circular design comes in.

Instead of designing products with end-of-life disposal in mind, companies are now focusing on durability, reuse, modularity, and easy recyclability. The idea is to keep plastic in use for as long as possible, and ensure that when it does reach the end of its life, it can be reprocessed into something new.

Australia’s opportunity and responsibility

As a nation surrounded by oceans and blessed with natural beauty, Australia has a unique stake in solving the plastic crisis. While the country generates more than 3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, only 13% is recycled. That’s a massive gap – but also a powerful opportunity.

Governments are now banning single-use plastics, encouraging product stewardship, and investing in local recycling infrastructure. But this alone won’t solve the issue. What’s needed is a collaborative ecosystem of policy, innovation, industry, and consumer action.

This is where companies like SDI Plastics step into the spotlight.

Conclusion

The plastic waste crisis isn’t going away overnight. But we’re no longer stuck in a place of helplessness. Technology has given us tools powerful ones to transform plastic from a problem to a potential.

From chemical recycling to smart moulding, biodegradable materials to blockchain traceability, the future of plastic is looking more circular, efficient, and sustainable than ever before.

But the question isn’t just about what the world can do. It’s about what we will do, starting now.

If you’re a business looking to develop plastic products in a way that aligns with this sustainable future, there’s no better partner than SDI Plastics.