Think Twice About it! Will you?

Think Twice About it! Will you?

by Erman Sönmez October 11, 2024

In The Graduate (1967), the line There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it? is delivered by Mr. McGuire, a family friend, to the protagonist Benjamin Braddock.

But why did Mr. McGuire say that?

The late 1960s showcased post-war prosperity in the U.S., with plastics epitomizing modernity and economic growth. Mr. McGuire’s suggestion for Benjamin to pursue a career in plastics reflects the era’s obsession with material wealth and success, symbolizing the American dream of stability and financial security.

The Graduate critiques societal pressure on young adults to conform to traditional, predictable career paths. Mr. McGuire’s advice reinforces this expectation, highlighting how the pursuit of material wealth can hinder personal fulfillment. The term “plastics” embodies artificiality and emptiness, mirroring Benjamin’s disillusionment with the mundane suburban life imposed upon him. Director Mike Nichols employs irony, as plastics, once seen as revolutionary, are now associated with environmental issues. This lends a satirical tone to Mr. McGuire’s optimistic view, showcasing the disconnect between 1960s consumerism and the eventual repercussions of mass production.

I am not a movie reviewer so i stop here and back to the topic; Plastics in today’s context, particularly regarding the recycling industry and the increasing environmental concerns surrounding plastic waste.

In the 1960s, plastics were viewed as a groundbreaking development—symbolizing progress, convenience, and industrial achievement. However, the dialogue about plastics has undergone a significant transformation. While plastics remain essential across various sectors, their environmental repercussions—especially concerning waste and pollution—have emerged as critical global challenges. In the modern landscape, the anticipated “great future in plastics” no longer centers on the production of virgin materials; rather, it is focused on recycling and sustainability. The industry is now tasked with addressing the consequences of decades of plastic consumption, including plastic pollution, microplastics, and the depletion of fossil resources. Therefore, if we were to adapt Mr. McGuire’s sentiment for contemporary times, it would convey:  “There is a great future in recycling plastics. Think about it.” This updated perspective underscores the urgent need to manage plastic waste effectively while fostering innovation in recycling, reuse, and the development of a circular economy.

Much like Mr. McGuire’s optimistic vision for the plastics industry in the 1960s, we are now witnessing similar potential within the recycling sector. There exists vast opportunity for growth, innovation, and profitability in the realm of recycled plastics, especially as businesses and governments increasingly adopt sustainable practices. Organizations are investing in cutting-edge technologies including chemical recycling, bioplastics, and enhanced sorting techniques to transform what was once considered waste into valuable resources. Just as plastics represented technological advancement in the past, the future is centered on sophisticated recycling methods such as chemical recycling and closed-loop systems designed to thoroughly process and reuse plastics without compromising quality.  With the rising demand for sustainable materials—particularly from large corporations with environmental commitments—a lucrative market for high-quality recycled plastics is developing. The potential for profit from processing and distributing these materials is substantial, especially as legislation increasingly requires recycled content in products.

As mentioned above, In The Graduate, plastics represented materialism, convenience, and a potentially vacuous future dominated by consumerism. Today, this disillusionment with plastics has become more pronounced, evolving into a moral imperative to tackle the environmental repercussions of past optimism.  The phrase “great future in plastics” now serves as a reminder of the unsustainable trajectory we’ve followed, resulting in oceans inundated with plastic waste and landfills overflowing with single-use items.  In this context, recycling presents an opportunity to redeem the plastics industry by reimagining this once-innovative material as circular, functional, and less detrimental to the environment.

Today, consumers and companies alike are more environmentally conscious than ever before. There is a strong shift towards corporate social responsibility (CSR), with businesses like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Nestlé setting ambitious goals to use more recycled plastics in their packaging. The demand for sustainable products is driving innovation in the recycling sector, making it a future-oriented industry much like plastics were in the 1960s.

This new future, however, isn’t about creating more disposable goods; it’s about:

  • Reducing plastic waste at its source,
  • Re-engineering plastics to be more recyclable,
  • Incorporating recycled materials into new products.

Governments are advocating for policies that incentivize or mandate recycling and sustainable practices. Just as the plastics industry once thrived on technological and economic advances, the recycling sector stands to gain from emerging regulations, such as plastic taxes, bans on single-use plastics, and requirements for integrating recycled content into products.  Countries are increasingly embracing the principles of a circular economy, where materials like plastics are designed for continual reuse and recycling rather than being discarded after a single use. The notion of a promising future in plastics is thus evolving into one centered on recycled plastics within a circular framework. In today’s environment, businesses and consumers are encouraged to reevaluate their relationship with plastics. Rather than perpetuating the outdated model of plastic production and waste, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, circularity, and environmental impact.

For businesses; this entails investing in innovative materials, technologies, and business models that prioritize recycling and waste reduction.

For consumers; this means making intentional choices to reduce plastic usage, select products with recycled content, and actively engage in recycling initiatives.

If Mr. McGuire were addressing us today, his well-known statement might resonate with our current environmental awareness:

“There is a fantastic future in recycled plastics. Think twice about it!

The future of the plastics industry now hinges on mitigating environmental impacts, driving advancements in recycling, and shifting from a linear economy to a circular model. In many respects, the plastics sector continues to hold immense potential, but today, that potential revolves around sustainability and resilience, rather than endless growth and consumption. The next great leap will be how we manage, recycle, and transform plastics for a better future.

Further reading, definitely worthy to check links below;

The future is not in the plastics for oil sector!

Oil industry betting future on shaky plastics as world battles waste

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