The terms “plastic,” “synthetic,” and “polymers” are often used interchangeably in everyday language. But what exactly are polymers? How do natural and anthropogenic (synthetic) polymers differ? And what role do they play in industry, technology, and our daily lives?
We shed light on materials science with five key questions.
What does the term “polymer” mean?
Polymers are chemical compounds consisting of very large molecules (macromolecules).
The term comes from Ancient Greek: *polý* means “many,” and *méros* means “part.” A polymer is therefore a substance consisting of “many parts.”
These parts are repeating structural units (monomers) that link together to form long molecular chains. This is what gives polymers their typical properties, such as malleability, elasticity, and strength.
A distinction is made between:
- synthetic (anthropogenic) polymers
that are manufactured industrially - natural polymers (biopolymers)
that are produced in living organisms
Important: A polymer is the basic chemical structure. A plastic is the material composed of polymers and additives.
What is the difference between man-made and natural polymers?
While natural polymers have existed for millions of years, synthetic production allows for the targeted modification of properties—such as heat resistance, elasticity, or chemical resistance.
What types of man-made polymers are there?
There is a wide variety of synthetic polymers—even though their chemical names are rarely known in everyday life.
These polymers are used to make numerous products such as films, rubber, adhesives, Plexiglas, and technical molded parts.
Thermoplastic polymers are indispensable, particularly in plastics processing—such as injection molding —because they can be precisely shaped and cost-effectively produced in large quantities.
Are biological polymers always biodegradable?
A common misconception is the assumption that all biopolymers are automatically biodegradable—while synthetic polymers are not.
In fact, there is some overlap:
- Cellophane and starch-based films are manufactured but biodegradable.
- Certain ethanol-based polymers are made from natural raw materials, but they are not automatically biodegradable.
Whether a polymer is biodegradable depends on its chemical structure and environmental conditions—not solely on its origin.
This distinction is particularly important in the context of sustainability and the circular economy.
How are polymers used in everyday life, science, and industry?
Today, polymers are one of the most important materials in the world.
Synthetic polymers, in particular, form the foundation of the modern plastics industry. Without them, many technical innovations would not be feasible or would be significantly more expensive.
Their properties—light weight, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility—make them an indispensable material in modern manufacturing.
