Decarbonising the plastic industry: A review of carbon emissions in the lifecycle of plastics production

The role of plastics is well-documented in the literature reflecting on its impact on a global economy, planetary and human health. However, there is an urgent need for additional studies analysing their carbon emissions and ways to handle them. Bio4Circularity (B4C) Network premium members – TalTech, Manchester Metropolitan University  and HAW Hamburg – have worked together to summarise possible paths in decarbonising plastics industry, by relying on innovative solutions that contribute to circularity and sustainability of the plastic materials.   

The study highlights the industry’s outsised climate impact and identifies key leverage points for mitigation, such as transitioning to renewable energy in cracking processes and scaling circular economy models. By mapping emissions hotspots and proposing actionable policy and technological interventions, the study bridges gaps between academic research, industry practices, and climate policy, accelerating the push toward a low-carbon plastic economy. 

To read the full paper, please visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725019771