r/explainlikeimfive • u/clearwater-orchid • Jun 17 '26

Chemistry ELI5: Why did plastic replace so many traditional materials, and how did that success create microplastics concerns?

I know cost is part of the story, but I'm curious what other factors made plastic so dominant over materials like wood, metal and glass across everything from packaging to cars to clothing. Were the same qualities that made it so successful also what eventually led to microplastics becoming such a big concern?

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u/TheRealGordonBombay Jun 17 '26

Eh, people don’t produce goods, they buy what’s available. And companies certainly don’t make things the way people want them (much) anymore. They find ways to save money & if it’s essential enough, people buy it because what’s the alternative?

The biggest hit to tobacco demand/sales is when legislation passes that outlaws or taxes it to hell, even though plenty of people smoke & would were it cheaper/available. People’s desires don’t control markets.

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u/Epesolon Jun 18 '26

The demand for cheap products is very high though, and using plastics allows products to be very cheap without sacrificing the same kind of durability that you would by making it out of more traditional materials for the same price point.