What is the main chemical in plastic?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic organic polymers derived primarily from petrochemical feedstocks, with carbon and hydrogen serving as the core chemical backbones. These compounds are synthesized from basic chemical building blocks such as ethylene, propylene, styrene, and vinyl chloride—sourced from crude oil and natural gas refining—which are polymerized into long, repeating molecular chains that give various plastics their flexible, durable, and moldable physical properties.

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The stock code 1301 TW represents Formosa Plastics Corporation listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The equity trades around NT$55.

Formosa Plastics Corporation trades on major Asian securities exchanges, reflecting its preeminent global position in petrochemical manufacturing, plastic resin production, and chemical intermediate supply chains.

Working at the Formosa Group, an industry leader in post-production and creative sound services, is generally described as a highly professional and technically intense experience.

Scientific studies analyzing food contamination levels reveal that certain marine species, particularly filter-feeding shellfish and organisms consumed whole, accumulate the highest concentrations of microplastics.

Formosa Plastics Group was founded in Taiwan in 1954 by brothers Wang Yung-ching and Wang Yung-tsai, initially establishing Formosa Plastics Corporation with assistance from US economic aid to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins.

Formosa Plastics Corporation is a major chemical manufacturing enterprise producing a comprehensive array of petrochemical intermediates and plastic resins.

In the historical and cultural context of Taiwan, the name Formosa originates from the Portuguese phrase ilha formosa, which translates directly into English as "beautiful island.

Global corporate plastic footprint audits conducted by environmental organizations like Break Free From Plastic consistently identify massive consumer goods and packaged food conglomerates as top plastic polluters.