Resin vs. Plastic: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Resin is a natural or synthetic compound that hardens with treatment, while plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers and can be molded.
Key Differences
Resin is typically a natural or synthetic organic compound that starts in a highly viscous state and hardens with treatment. Plastic, on the other hand, is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material that's made from polymers like polyethylene or PVC, offering more versatility.
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Most resins, especially natural ones, are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact. Plastics, derived from petrochemicals, are less eco-friendly due to their non-biodegradable nature and the pollution associated with their production.
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Resin is often used in the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents. Plastics are widely used in packaging, building and construction, transportation, and consumer goods due to their malleability and durability.
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Nov 18, 2023
Resin typically has a more rigid and brittle quality when set, whereas plastic is known for its flexibility and ability to be molded into various shapes and forms under heat.
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The production of resin can be from natural sources like plants or synthetically made in labs. Plastic is largely a product of chemical synthesis, requiring extensive industrial processing.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Resin and Plastic Definitions
Resin
Resin serves as a base for varnishes and adhesives.
Resin-based adhesives are strong and durable.
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Plastic
Plastic can be molded into various shapes.
The toy was made from brightly colored plastic.
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Resin
Resin is a sticky organic substance from plants.
Pine trees exude a sticky resin.
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Plastic
Plastic is used in numerous applications.
Kitchen utensils are often made of plastic for easy cleaning.
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Resin
Resin is used in art for its hardening properties.
Artists often use resin in jewelry making.
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Nov 14, 2023
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Resin
Resin can be a synthetic compound used in plastics.
Epoxy resin is used in crafting.
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Plastic
Relating to or dealing with shaping or modeling
The plastic art of sculpture.
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Resin
Any of numerous clear to translucent yellow or brown, solid or semisolid, viscous substances of plant origin, such as copal, rosin, and amber, used principally in lacquers, varnishes, inks, adhesives, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Resins are usually insoluble in water.
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Plastic
Having the qualities of sculpture; well-formed
"the astonishing plastic beauty of the chorus girls" (Frank Harris).
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Oct 19, 2023
Resin
Any of numerous physically similar polymerized synthetics or chemically modified natural resins including thermoplastic materials such as polyvinyl, polystyrene, and polyethylene and thermosetting materials such as polyesters, epoxies, and silicones that are used with fillers, stabilizers, pigments, and other components to form plastics.
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Plastic
Giving form or shape to a substance
The plastic forces that create and wear down a mountain range.
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Plastic
Easily influenced; impressionable
"The plastic mind of the bank clerk had been ... distorted by what he had read" (Rudyard Kipling).
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Resin
A viscous hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resin
Any of various yellowish viscous liquids or soft solids of plant origin; used in lacquers, varnishes and many other applications; chemically they are mostly hydrocarbons, often polycyclic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Plastic
(Physics) Capable of undergoing continuous deformation without rupture or relaxation.
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Plastic
Able to change and adapt, especially by acquiring alternative pathways for sensory perception or motor skills. Used of the central nervous system.
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Resin
Any one of a class of yellowish brown solid inflammable substances, of vegetable origin, which are nonconductors of electricity, have a vitreous fracture, and are soluble in ether, alcohol, and essential oils, but not in water; specif., pine resin (see Rosin).
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Plastic
Marked by artificiality or superficiality
A plastic world of fad, hype, and sensation.
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Resin
Any of various polymeric substance resembling the natural resins[1], prepared synthetically; - they are used, especially in particulate form, in research and industry for their property of specifically absorbing or adsorbing substances of particular types; they are especially useful in separation processes such as chromatography; as, an ion-exchange resin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resin
Any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
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Oct 19, 2023
Plastic
Any of various organic compounds produced by polymerization, capable of being molded, extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into filaments used as textile fibers.
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Resin
Resin can act as a protective clear coat.
The wooden table was coated with a layer of resin for protection.
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Plastic
(Informal) A credit card or credit cards
Would accept cash or plastic in payment.
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Plastic
A synthetic, solid, hydrocarbon-based polymer, whether thermoplastic or thermosetting.
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Plastic
Credit or debit cards used in place of cash to buy goods and services.
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Plastic
Insincerity; fakeness, or a person who is fake or arrogant, or believes that they are better than the rest of the population.
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Plastic
(biology) Capable of adapting to varying conditions; characterized by environmental adaptability.
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Plastic
Of or pertaining to the inelastic, non-brittle, deformation of a material.
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Plastic
Having the power to give form or fashion to a mass of matter; as, the plastic hand of the Creator.
See plastic Nature working to his end.
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Oct 19, 2023
Plastic
Capable of being molded, formed, or modeled, as clay or plaster; - used also figuratively; as, the plastic mind of a child.
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Plastic
Pertaining or appropriate to, or characteristic of, molding or modeling; produced by, or appearing as if produced by, molding or modeling; - said of sculpture and the kindred arts, in distinction from painting and the graphic arts.
Medallions . . . fraught with the plastic beauty and grace of the palmy days of Italian art.
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Oct 19, 2023
Plastic
A substance composed predominantly of a synthetic organic high polymer capable of being cast or molded; many varieties of plastic are used to produce articles of commerce (after 1900). [MW10 gives origin of word as 1905]
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Plastic
Generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e.g. coatings and adhesives
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Plastic
Used of the imagination;
Material...transformed by the plastic power of the imagination
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Plastic
Capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material);
Plastic substances such as wax or clay
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Plastic
Capable of being influenced or formed;
The plastic minds of children
A pliant nature
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Plastic
Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers.
Plastic bottles are ubiquitous.
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Plastic
Plastic is known for its durability.
The plastic container resisted breaking when dropped.
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Plastic
Some plastics are recyclable.
The plastic bag was marked as recyclable.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is resin used in making plastic?
Yes, certain synthetic resins are used in the production of plastics.
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Nov 18, 2023
Are all resins biodegradable?
Most natural resins are biodegradable, but synthetic resins vary in biodegradability.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is plastic?
Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers, moldable and versatile.
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Nov 18, 2023
How is plastic made?
Plastic is made by polymerizing monomers derived from organic compounds.
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Can plastic be natural?
Plastics are primarily synthetic, though some are based on natural polymers.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can resin be synthetic?
Yes, there are many synthetic resins like epoxy and polyester.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is resin?
Resin is a natural or synthetic organic compound that hardens with treatment.
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Nov 18, 2023
Are plastics always flexible?
While many plastics are flexible, some can be rigid depending on their composition.
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What are common uses of resin?
Resins are commonly used in varnishes, adhesives, and as casting materials.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is the environmental impact of plastics?
Plastics, especially non-recyclable types, contribute to environmental pollution.
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Is resin used in food products?
Certain food-grade resins are used for coating and glazing food items.
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Nov 18, 2023
Are there eco-friendly resins?
Natural resins are considered more eco-friendly compared to synthetic ones.
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Nov 18, 2023
What are the alternatives to plastic?
Alternatives include bioplastics, glass, metal, and natural fibers.
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Are plastics recyclable?
Some plastics are recyclable, but recycling rates and methods vary.
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Is plastic harmful to the environment?
Yes, especially single-use plastics, due to their non-biodegradable nature.
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What is the lifespan of plastic products?
Plastic products can last from a few years to several decades, depending on the type.
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Can resin be colored?
Yes, both natural and synthetic resins can be colored with dyes.
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Nov 18, 2023
Do resins have industrial applications?
Yes, resins are used in industrial applications like coatings and adhesives.
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Nov 18, 2023
What determines the flexibility of plastic?
The polymer structure and additives determine a plastic's flexibility.
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Can resin be recycled?
Recycling of resin depends on its type; some synthetic resins are recyclable.
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Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
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