As the crisis in the Middle East continues, much of the public focus has been on fuel prices and the cost of living. But there’s another oil-related product that often gets overlooked: plastic.

Most everyday plastics are made from “petrochemicals” that come from oil and gas. This means when energy markets fluctuate, companies that use plastic as a raw material also feel the impact.

When oil prices spike, producing “virgin” plastic becomes more expensive, though often with a delay, as higher raw material and transport costs move through the supply chain.

But what about recycling plastic? For years, this has been framed mainly as an environmental issue, and it still is. But that is no longer the whole story.

In a world increasingly shaped by volatile energy markets, geopolitical tension and supply chain shocks, recycled plastic offers something else: resilience.

From crude oil to coffee lid

Plastic is not a niche material. It is part of the hidden infrastructure of modern life. Australians use about 4 million tonnes of plastic each year.

Consider construction. Plastic is found in pipes, insulation, flooring, sealants and protective films. When the price goes up, the cost of building can increase as well. Or agriculture, which relies on plastics........

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