The development and widespread adoption of plastics can be traced back to the early twentieth century when scientific advancements and industrial innovation converged. Plastics, primarily synthetic polymers, have revolutionized several sectors, such as consumer products, constructing, automobiles, and packing, largely due to their versatility, low cost, and durability. However, their rise in production and consumption has also been accompanied by significant environmental and health issues, including their environmental persistence and potential for toxicity (Plastics—American Chemistry Council 2024; Baca 2022). The origins of plastic production can be traced to the development of Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, invented by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907. Bakelite was a phenolic resin that could be molded into various shapes and sizes, marking a key turning point in material science. It was initially used for electrical insulators, automotive parts, and household items due to its heat resistance and electrical insulating properties (Baekeland 1909). This early development laid the foundation for the growth of the synthetic polymer industry. Following Baekeland’s innovation, other significant synthetic plastics were developed. In the 1920s, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or acrylic, was introduced, offering transparency and weather resistance. In the 1930s, the development of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene expanded the range of materials available, each possessing unique properties that catered to different industrial needs (Plastics—American Chemistry Council 2024; Baca 2022). The post-World War II era saw an explosion in the use and production of plastics. This was largely driven by advancements in polymer chemistry, along with the increased availability of cheap oil and natural gas, which provided the raw materials needed for large-scale plastic production. The introduction of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in the 1950s, along with polypropylene (PP), contributed to plastics’ widespread adoption due to their ease of production and wide range of applications (Plastics—American Chemistry Council 2024; Baca 2022). During the 1950s and 1960s, the mass production of plastics was further facilitated by the growth of consumerism in developed countries. Plastics began to replace materials such as wood, metal, and glass in many everyday products, including packaging, household goods, and toys. As plastics became integral to modern life, production volumes increased dramatically, fueled by innovations in polymerization techniques and the development of new plastic forms such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polycarbonate (PC) (Plastics—American Chemistry Council 2024; Baca 2022).