Polymers have been a subject of debate for decades: Are they a magical solution to many problems, or a problem in themselves? In this article, we highlight the 10 benefits of using polymers according to the Spanish industry and the perspective of Grupo Torrent, while also offering a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of polymers. By including both sides, we aim to create a more complete, rigorous, and useful text for the reader.
What Polymers Are and Their Role in the Closures Industry
Polymers are materials made up of repeated molecular chains, giving rise to plastics with diverse properties.
In the field of caps and closures, polymers offer versatility and functionality that other materials don’t always provide.
At Grupo Torrent, polymers hold a key place among next-generation materials used for closures—alongside micro-granulated cork, biopolymers, aluminum, wood, and others.
Through Ecodesign, Torrent works to reduce the amount of polymers used, adopt mono-material or bio-based options, and improve recyclability.
The 10 Benefits of Using Polymers
Below are the benefits identified in the original article, now reorganized under clear headings:
1. Health Safety and Rigorous Control
Plastic—and polymers in packaging in general—is a safe material for health, as it is subject to stricter controls than many other materials.
2. Food Preservation and Waste Reduction
Plastic packaging helps maintain food freshness for longer periods thanks to ecodesign and the protective barriers it provides.
3. Medical and Safety Applications
Polymers have been vital in medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging, and systems such as automotive airbags.
4. Durability and Economic Efficiency
Many plastic products last between 5 and 50 years, reducing the need for frequent replacement and saving resources.
5. Controlled Use of Fossil Resources
Only about 4–6% of Europe’s oil and gas consumption is used to manufacture plastics, meaning polymer development doesn’t deplete hydrocarbon reserves.
6. Water, Energy, and CO₂ Savings
Polymers have enabled technical advances such as micro-irrigation systems that save water, and lighter packaging that reduces energy consumption during transport.
7. It’s Not the Material, But Responsible Use
Pollution is not solved by eliminating materials but by properly managing waste and promoting citizen responsibility.
8. Recyclability and Energy Recovery
Single-use plastics can be recycled; when recycling is not possible, they can be converted into renewable energy.
9. Versatility and Lightness
Polymers are lightweight, easy to transport, and moldable—helping reduce manufacturing and logistics costs.
Continuous Innovation and Compatibility with New Materials
Torrent has found that polymers, when combined with biopolymers or recycled materials, allow continued innovation without losing functionality or safety.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Polymers
To balance the discussion, this section introduces both the positive aspects and the challenges:
Advantages of Polymers
- High design capacity: can be shaped into complex, product-specific forms.
- Functional versatility: impermeability, chemical barriers, adjustable rigidity or flexibility.
- Light weight: reduces transport costs and environmental impact in logistics.
- Recyclability: many polymers can be reintroduced into new products if properly collected and processed.
- Compatibility with innovation: can be blended with other materials or modified with additives to enhance properties.
Disadvantages and Challenges
- Poorly managed waste: if not properly recycled or disposed of, polymers become a serious environmental issue.
- Limited biodegradability: not all polymers naturally degrade easily.
- Microplastic pollution: fragmentation can generate dispersed particles if not controlled.
- Dependence on efficient recycling systems: benefits depend on adequate infrastructure.
- Regulatory burden: as Grupo Torrent notes, waste regulations can impose challenges for companies working responsibly with polymers.
Grupo Torrent’s Position and Strategy on Polymers
Focus on Ecodesign and Reducing Polymer Use
Torrent is committed to minimizing polymer use where possible, employing mono-materials, and favoring biopolymers and recycled materials.
Responsible Production and Waste Management
In its Spanish plants, Torrent has installed photovoltaic panels to cut emissions and energy use.
As part of its Eco-responsibility Strategy, Torrent reuses thermoplastic production waste that cannot be directly repurposed.
At its non-refillable closures plant in Cádiz, sustainable polymer storage silos have been installed.
Concrete Innovations with Sustainable Polymers
- Green Valve: a mono-material valve developed by Torrent that reduces CO₂ emissions by around 10% in its production.
- Through its subsidiary Torrent Innova, the company is researching new materials, including biopolymers and hybrids with lower environmental footprints.
Recommendations for Responsible Use and Final Thoughts
The key is not to demonize polymers, but to manage them properly—through separation, recycling, and responsible design.
In contexts where polymers provide critical improvements (safety, weight, impermeability), their use can be justified if the impact is minimized.
Torrent demonstrates that a closure manufacturer can combine innovation, functionality, and environmental commitment in the use of polymers.
On the path toward a circular economy, polymers are not disappearing—they must instead be reintegrated into more sustainable life cycles.