| Material type | Synthetic substances |
| Invention date | 1930s |
| Development cause | Accidental nuclear research |
| Associated technology | Nuclear research |
| Industries stimulated | Biofuels • Renewable chemicals |
| Impact on waste management | Reduced landfill and ocean pollution |
| Unanticipated consequences | Microplastics contamination • Greenhouse gas emissions |
| Impact on plastics production | Game changer |
| Positive environmental impacts | Reduced pollution |
