Plastic is one of the most misunderstood materials in modern society. Despite decades of environmental-awareness campaigns, many myths persist, particularly around plastic recycling and biodegradability. These misconceptions not only mislead consumers but also delay real progress toward sustainable alternatives.
In this article, we break down some of the most common plastic myths and reveal the scientific truth behind them.
Myth #1: Most Plastic Gets Recycled
One of the biggest misunderstandings about plastic is that it’s widely recyclable and commonly recycled.
The reality? Less than 12 % of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, according to global estimates. The vast majority ends up in landfills, incinerators or the natural environment, including our oceans, rivers and even our own bodies.
Even when plastic is placed into recycling bins, much of it is downcycled, meaning it’s turned into lower-quality products, and eventually ends up in landfill anyway.
Recycling alone cannot solve the plastic crisis. We need to focus on reduction, reusability and biodegradable alternatives to truly make a difference.
Myth #2: All Plastics with a Recycling Symbol Are Recyclable
You’ve probably seen the triangle of arrows with a number inside, known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC) on plastic containers and assumed it meant the item could be recycled.
Not quite.
This symbol was originally designed for industrial use, not consumer clarity. It simply identifies the type of plastic used in the product, not whether it can be recycled in your local area.
For example:
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate – #1): Widely accepted for recycling but often downcycled into synthetic clothing or carpeting.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene – #2): More easily recycled, but still limited by infrastructure.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride – #3): Rarely accepted due to toxic chemical content.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene – #4): Often not collected curbside; usually requires drop-off at specialty facilities.
- PP (Polypropylene – #5): Increasingly accepted, but still limited.
- PS (Polystyrene – #6): Difficult and expensive to recycle.
- Other (#7): Includes polycarbonate, BPA-containing plastics and bioplastics, many of which are non‑recyclable.
Bottom line: Just because a plastic item has a recycling symbol doesn’t mean it will actually be recycled.
Myth #3: Bio-Based Plastics Are Automatically Safe and Sustainable
There’s a growing trend toward bio-based plastics, made from renewable resources like corn, sugarcane or algae. While these materials may seem like an eco‑friendly solution, they’re not always what they appear to be.
Many bio-based plastics are not biodegradable. They look and act like traditional plastics and can still fragment into microplastics. Unless clearly labeled and properly disposed of in industrial-composting facilities, these plastics end up in the same waste stream as conventional ones.
Additionally, while they reduce reliance on fossil fuels, their production still requires significant water, energy and agricultural land, raising concerns about sustainability and resource competition.
True sustainability comes from biodegradable plastics that fully break down without leaving behind nanoplastics or toxic residues, such as those developed by The Greener Tech Group.
Myth #4: Plastic Decomposes Into Nothing
This is perhaps the most dangerous myth of all.
Plastic does not decompose like organic matter. Instead, it photodegrades, breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces under sunlight and environmental exposure.
Over time, plastic degrades into microplastics and eventually nanoplastics, particles so small they can enter human cells, cross into the brain and reach a developing fetus.
A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that a single litre of bottled water contains approximately 240 000 plastic particles, with 90 % classified as nanoplastics.
These ultra‑tiny contaminants persist in the environment and the human body for potentially thousands of years, posing unknown long-term health risks.
Myth #5: Plastic Bottles Are Safer Than Single-Use Bags
Many people believe that choosing bottled water over tap water or using plastic food containers is more hygienic or environmentally responsible.
But research tells a different story.
Studies show that plastic bottles contribute heavily to both pollution and internal contamination. Not only do they shed microplastics during storage, but they also contain PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a material linked to hormone disruption and nanoplastic release.
And unlike reusable glass or stainless-steel options, most plastic bottles end up in landfill or the ocean after just one use, where they begin their slow breakdown into harmful nanoplastics.
Myth #6: Plastic Is a New Material
While plastic feels ubiquitous today, it’s not a new invention.
Industrial-scale plastic production began in the 1950s, and since then over 8 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced globally. This figure is expected to triple by 2050, further compounding the problem.
The belief that plastic is a “modern” material often leads people to assume there are better disposal methods available. But the truth is, we’ve had decades to get it right, and we haven’t.
Myth #7: Plastic Packaging Is Inevitable
Consumers often feel trapped by the amount of plastic packaging in everyday products from food and cosmetics to electronics.
However, real alternatives exist.
Companies like The Greener Tech Group are proving that plastic-free, biodegradable packaging is not only possible but scalable. Their Eco Bottle offers a 100 % biodegradable, reusable and microplastic-free alternative to traditional plastic bottled water.
By combining traditional plastic with an organic additive during manufacturing, the bottle becomes digestible by microbes once discarded. Enzymes secreted by naturally occurring bacteria break down the plastic through a process known as depolymerization, transforming it into natural fertiliser without leaving behind any toxic residue or nanoplastics.
This closed‑loop system ensures that plastic packaging can be used safely and then disappear responsibly, without lingering in the environment or entering the human body.
The Real Problem: Nanoplastics Are Entering Our Bodies
Recent findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that microplastics are now embedded in human artery walls, patients with detectable plastic were 4.5 times more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes or die within three years.
This shocking discovery confirms what many scientists have long suspected: plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental crisis, it’s a public health emergency.
Nanoplastics are now found in:
- Human blood
- Placental tissue
- Breast milk
- Lungs
- Testicles and gut tissue
Animal studies have shown they can cause DNA damage, immune stress and altered brain function. The full impact on humans is still being studied, but early signs are deeply concerning.
What Can Be Done?
To move forward, we must first unlearn the myths that have kept us stuck in unsustainable habits. Here’s how you can help:
- Avoid single-use plastics, especially bottled water and packaging.
- Choose glass, metal or biodegradable alternatives.
- Support companies using enzyme-assisted biodegradable technology.
- Advocate for stronger regulations on plastic production and nanoplastic content in food and drink.
- Educate others about the hidden dangers of plastic consumption.
Conclusion: Time to Rethink Our Relationship with Plastic
Plastic is not disappearing. It’s breaking down into invisible threats that are now part of our biology. With global plastic production set to triple by 2050, we can no longer afford to rely on outdated beliefs about recyclability, safety and decomposition.
The future lies in proven, science-backed solutions like those offered by The Greener Tech Group, innovations that offer hydration, packaging and agriculture without the cost to human health or the planet.
It’s time to stop believing the myths, and start acting on the facts.
Key Summary
✓ Only 9 % of all plastic ever produced has been recycled; most ends up in landfill, oceans or the human body.
✓ Bio-based plastics are not inherently safe, they can still shed microplastics and contribute to pollution.
✓ Plastic does not decompose; it breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics that persist indefinitely.
✓ A single litre of bottled water contains up to 240 000 plastic particles, mostly nanoplastics that enter the bloodstream.
✓ Nanoplastics have been detected in blood, lungs, placentas, breast milk and testicles, raising urgent health concerns.
✓ The Greener Tech Group provides verified biodegradable plastic alternatives that leave no toxic residue or microplastics behind.