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In recent years, with the rapid development of technology and the heightened awareness of environmental protection, plastic modification technology has gradually become an important force in the field of new materials. Modified plastics, through the addition of specific modifiers and the application of physical and chemical methods such as blending, filling, reinforcement, copolymerization, and crosslinking, enhance the performance of general-purpose and engineering plastics, thereby gradually changing the application landscape of traditional plastics.

According to statistics, the global market size of modified plastics reached $428.5 billion in 2023, with a year-on-year growth rate of 4.6%. The North American market continues to lead the world, accounting for up to 32.1%, followed closely by the European Union and Asia. As an important part of the Asian market, China's modified plastics market has also shown rapid growth, with a market size of RMB 283.216 billion in 2023 and a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%.

Modified plastics are widely used in fields such as automobiles, home appliances, and electronics due to their light weight, high strength, excellent insulating properties, and stable chemical properties. Especially in the home appliance sector, modified plastics have become important materials for products such as washing machines, refrigerators, and televisions, meeting the needs of modern manufacturing for lightweight, functional, ecological, and intelligent solutions.

However, the extensive use of plastics has also brought tremendous environmental pressure. According to data published by the United Nations, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, with two-thirds being short-lived single-use plastics. This results in over 200 million tons of plastic waste, of which less than one-tenth is recycled. These plastic wastes are difficult to degrade in nature, severely polluting soil, water bodies, and air. For example, waste agricultural films and plastic bags left in farmland for a long time can affect the growth and development of crops, leading to reduced yields. Additionally, up to 19-23 million tons of plastic waste flow into lakes, rivers, and oceans annually, impacting over 800 marine and coastal species, which face dangers such as ingesting plastic and being entangled in it.

Facing this severe situation, the modified plastics industry, while pursuing technological innovation, is also paying more attention to improving environmental performance. By developing biodegradable and easily recyclable modified plastics, the industry is reducing its dependence on traditional plastics and lowering environmental pollution.

With the rapid development of technologies such as 5G communications, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, as well as the rise of fields such as intelligent lifestyles and new energy vehicles, the requirements for material performance are constantly increasing. In response to market demands, the modified plastics industry has continuously innovated and developed high-end products with low density, high rigidity, high toughness, high temperature resistance, and low volatile organic compounds. These products are gradually replacing traditional materials and becoming favorites in the market.

However, the modified plastics industry also faces some challenges. Technical barriers are high, and the high-end product market is still dominated by foreign enterprises. Environmental pressure is intensifying, placing higher demands on the environmental performance of modified plastics. Market competition is fierce, and small and medium-sized enterprises face significant survival pressures. In the face of these challenges, domestic enterprises are continuously increasing their R&D investments and improving their technical levels to gain a favorable position in the competition.

In the future, with the support of national policies and the growth of market demand, the modified plastics industry will usher in broader development opportunities. Through technological innovation and industrial upgrading, domestic enterprises are expected to occupy a larger share in the high-end market, driving the modified plastics industry towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction. At the same time, the government and all sectors of society should work together to strengthen the recycling and disposal of plastic waste, reduce environmental pressure, and achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.