On October 31, the earths population rose to 7 billion, and with it came the challenges of 7 billion people in energy, food, water, health, housing and environment.In response to these challenges, the British plastics federation (BPF) believes that plastics applications will play an important role. 

  BPF director Peter?In a recent letter to Vince cable, the UK secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, Peter Davis said:In his letter, Vince Cable said: "with higher levels of education and innovation, our health, healthcare and communications have improved, enabling us to cope with the problems of a rapidly growing population.However, climate and environmental change could trigger mass migration, food and water shortages and exacerbate poverty.He then introduced how plastic products can help us face various environmental and social challenges.

  Protection and delivery of clean water

  More than 1 billion people lack access to clean water and 2.5 billion lack access to effective sanitation.Plastic water tanks for rainwater collection and water pipes for water supply are not only light, durable, portable and easy to install, but also meet sanitary requirements.Some mobile water systems in Britain leak up to 30% of their water.In London alone, 772 miles of cracked water mains have been replaced by blue plastic pipes.

  Efficient food production

  There is less and less available agricultural land, making it a challenge to increase yields.Plastic products can turn parts of land that could not otherwise be farmed into suitable farmland."Plastic sheds" and plastic mulch, for example, protect crops from wind and rain and warm the soil, allowing farmers to plant and transplant seedlings early.Irrigation canals lose up to 20 percent of their water, a problem that can be eliminated by using plastic pipe systems or laying plastic sheeting on the channels.

  Reduce food waste

  In developing countries, up to 50 per cent of fresh produce is wasted because of poor harvesting techniques, poor refrigeration and packaging.Durable and well sealed plastic packaging not only allows food to last longer, but also provides hygiene.For example, plastic bags prevent the invasion of bacteria and fungi, thus ensuring that the food does not go bad and thus eliminating health hazards.

  Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  The BPF points out that the use of plastic parts can significantly reduce the weight of vehicles and aircraft, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.A 1, 000-kilogram car made of traditional materials, with 105 kilograms of plastic components, can save 750 liters of fuel over its 90, 000-mile life.

  The new generation of jetliners also use plastic composites to reduce the weight of their bodies.In the frame of the airbus A380, the use of plastic composite materials reached 20%, which not only saved fuel and increased flight mileage, but also reduced the flight cost by 15%.

  Achieve good medical care

  The production and application of plastic medical equipment promote the development of medical level.Plastics plasticity and biocompatibility make it widely used in plastic prosthetics, internal organs such as heart valves and drug delivery systems.

  To save energy

  Plastics are low conductors of energy.In a temperate climate, plastic preserves heat in buildings while keeping cold air out.

  In tropical countries, plastic has the opposite effect.Indias Energy Conservation Building Code, for example, recommends pvc-u Windows.Similarly, expanded polystyrene insulation reduces the energy needed for buildings and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to half.

  Responding to emergencies and disasters

  When there is an earthquake or a flood, a lot of plastic products are needed to help survivors get through it.