Plastic Environments II

Abstract

The production and distribution of plastic have increased enormously over the last 80 years and reached an annual production of more than 400 million tons in 2025. Within the discourse on the Anthropocene plastic is one of the major categories: geologists have discussed whether plastic particles in the earth’s layers are sufficient evidence to determine the beginning of the Anthropocene. This approach makes clear that plastics can now be found almost everywhere on Earth. Since “Plastic Environments” addresses a global development, we want to contribute to this year’s topic “Engaging the History of Technology – Bridging Disciplines and Perspectives for Global Challenges” by including different perspectives on the history of plastics on a specific local, a national or transnational level as well as global histories of the production and processing of plastics. The growing amount of plastic has influenced the surrounding environment, as well as the development of societies and societal recognition of this material. Plastics belong to those materials that generate strong and controversial emotions. Indeed, narratives concerning this group of materials include both success stories and tales about terrible environmental and health consequences. “Plastics Environments” look at four different fields of research: – the production of plastics, its further processing, its recycling and the political contexts of labour, entrepreneurship and economy, – the role of plastics in the development of consumer and leisure – the intended and unintended impacts of these materials, such as the garbage patches in the oceans, and – questions of musealisation. The two sessions consist of seven individual papers and a subsequent discussion based on the ICON special issue “Plastic Environments” to be published in 2026.

Description

Caption: “Osterdekoration, Anstecker”, 1950–1979 (?), inventory number 309069/20, photography: Birgit und Peter Kainz, Wien Museum

Lecturers