Plastikos, from the Greek πλαστικός means “suitable for moulding” and is a word which suggests a material which can be formed into different shapes. But plastics are not a single material. They are a whole group of different materials, with varying properties and applications. They are amazingly varied, from rock hard to soft and flexible. Some are totally colourless, while others can be coloured to any shade at all. Some plastics are resistant to chemicals, others melt at low temperatures. Some can be adapted for use in harsh environments, others are approved for use with foodstuffs. In short, plastics can be used in almost all environments.

In general, plastics can be divided into three groups – stiff or elastic materials, thermoplastics or thermoset plastics, and by whether they are amorphous or semi-crystalline.

A thermoplastic is flexible and mouldable after heating, while thermoset plastics are not mouldable after heating. A thermoplastic, unlike thermoset plastics, can also be melted down to be used in the production of semi-finished plastic items.