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Iroegbu, et al.

Table 2. Examples of interchangeable use of “polymer,” “macromolecule,” and “plastic” across scientific
journals

Journal Type Title Impact Usage of terms References
factor
(2024)
Macromolecules Peer-reviewed Plastic pollution: 5.1 Refers to “plastics 31
A material problem? (generally used as a
synonym for polymers)”
Nature Reviews Peer-reviewed Reducing environmental 79.8 Describes plastics as “a 32
Materials plastic pollution by ubiquitous class of synthetic
designing polymer materials polymer materials”
for managed end-of-life
ACS Omega Peer-reviewed Plastic pollution: 4.1 States that “plastics are 3
A perspective on matters polymeric systems
arising (i.e., macromolecules)”

A B

Figure 1. Basic illustration of macromolecules and
polymers. (A) Macromolecules; (B) Polymers. Image
produced by First Author

and harmonizing industrial standards and regulatory Figure 2. Representation of a plastic material.
language. As such, we strongly advocate for alignment Image produced by the authors. Created with MS
4
with IUPAC definitions, which promote consistency PowerPoint and https://pixlr.com/express/; 2025;
across sectors and disciplines. Doing so will facilitate Austine Ofondu Chinomso Iroegbu
more effective stakeholder collaboration, enhance
plastic pollution diagnostics, and support innovation in harden upon curing. A pure polymer resin without
sustainable materials development. additives or structural modification is not plastic. 41,43,44
Instead, plastics comprise formulated systems, where
4. Distinction between polymers and plastics the polymer serves as the matrix and is integrated
with additives, such as plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers,
Plastics represent one of the most transformative or colorants. 41,43,46 These additives impart critical
innovations in science and technology. However, for properties, such as flexibility, durability, or ultraviolet
clarity in this discourse, we define plastics as synthetic or (UV) resistance, enabling applications ranging from
semi-synthetic composite materials composed primarily packaging films and fibers to foams, laminates, and
of polymers and additives, engineered for specific end- molded components. Semi-synthetic materials, such
use applications. As illustrated in Figure 2, plastics as rayon and cellulose acetate, derived from natural
are not merely polymers; they are functional materials polymers, are classified as plastics due to their
tailored through compounding and physicochemical engineered modification. 41,43,46 Similarly, elastomers
modification. like styrene-butadiene rubber become plastics when
Plastics include thermoplastics, materials that can be compounded, cast, and vulcanized into end products,
melted and reshaped, and thermosets, which irreversibly such as automotive tires. 41,43,46-48 In contrast, in their

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 4 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025200158