Here's a breakdown:

* Crude oil: It's the main source of hydrocarbons, which are the building blocks of plastics. Through a process called cracking, crude oil is broken down into smaller molecules, which are then used to create various plastics.

* Natural gas: It's another source of hydrocarbons, primarily ethane, which is used to make polyethylene (the most common type of plastic).

* Coal: It can also be used to produce plastics, but it's less common than oil and natural gas due to its high environmental impact.

It's important to note that:

* Renewable resources: There are ongoing efforts to develop plastics made from renewable resources, such as plants (like corn and sugarcane) and biomass. These bio-based plastics are gaining popularity but still represent a smaller percentage of total plastic production.

* Recycling: Recycling plastics is crucial to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental impact of plastic production.

Overall, plastic production is currently heavily reliant on fossil fuels. However, the development of bio-based plastics and increased recycling efforts are promising steps towards a more sustainable future for plastic production.