Safety and Innovation in Conventional Plastics: A Review of Polymer Synthesis and Emerging Technologies

Abstract

Persistent misconceptions about the alleged presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in major commodity plastics continue to distort public perception and, in some cases, regulatory discourse. This occurs despite scientific evidence showing that these polymers are synthesized without BPA. This review examines five widely used plastics—PET, PE, PP, PS, and PVC—focusing on their synthesis, structure–property relationships, and technological changes affecting the sector. We highlight recent innovations in green catalysis, bio-based feedstocks, polymer redesign, and advanced recycling. These advances are speeding the shift to efficient, sustainable processes and a circular polymer economy. We discuss market trends and regulatory frameworks to explain their global and Brazilian relevance, showing how communication gaps can lead to misinformation. By uniting chemical, technological, and regulatory views, this review supports public understanding, evidence-based policy, and the development of safer, high-performance, sustainable polymers.