What are plastics made from?

Plastics are predominantly made from hydrocarbons, which are organic compounds composed primarily of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These hydrocarbons are derived mainly from fossil fuels such as crude oil or natural gas. When processed through polymerization, these hydrocarbons can be transformed into long chains known as polymers, forming the basis of various plastic materials used in countless applications today.

Plastics can vary greatly in properties and structures depending on the types of hydrocarbons utilized, resulting in a diverse range of plastic types, each suited for specific uses. The vast majority of commonly encountered plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, originate from these hydrocarbon sources.

In contrast, minerals, natural fibers, and metals do not form the structural basis for plastics. While minerals are often used in other materials like ceramics, natural fibers consist of organic materials like cotton or wool, and metals are generally used to create alloys or structural components but not plastics. This fundamental difference highlights why hydrocarbons are the correct answer in this context.