How to Make Plastic From Scratch

Infographic showing how plastic is made from raw materials and shaped into products

What are the first steps?

Plastic usually begins with materials like oil or natural gas. In factories, these materials are changed into tiny chemical building blocks. Those little pieces are the start of many plastic products.

What are pellets?

After the building blocks join together, they become a plastic material that can be made into small pellets. Pellets are easy to move, store, melt, and shape into bottles, containers, and many other items.

Why should we still recycle plastic?

Making brand-new plastic takes energy and resources. That is why recycling, reusing, and using less plastic where we can are all smart choices for our planet.

Helpful reminder

This infographic is about how plastic begins, not just how it is recycled.
Recycling helps us use plastic again instead of always making more from scratch.
Reusable drink bottles and lunch boxes can help reduce plastic waste too.

Quick Quiz

1. What are two starting materials often used to make plastic?

Answer: Oil and natural gas.

2. What are pellets useful for?

Answer: They are easy to melt, move, and shape into products.

3. What are two smart things we can do instead of always making more plastic from scratch?

Answer: Reuse plastic and recycle it.