The Role of Carbon Capture

The rapid increase in plastic production, coupled with the environmental challenges of the traditional linear economy where most plastics are single-use and improperly disposed of necessitates strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of plastics. While the use of renewable feedstocks and energy sources contributes to this goal, additional measures are needed to cut industrial greenhouse gas emissions and develop efficient recycling technologies. Beyond enhancing the sustainability of the plastic value chain, these measures should also address societal demands, promote innovative processes and products, enable circular economy conditions through chemical recycling of plastic wastes and carbon, produce liquid fuels compatible with existing refining infrastructure, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including sustainable energy access, resilient infrastructure, inclusive industrialization, innovation, safe and sustainable cities, and urgent climate action. Additional benefits include improving the public perception of plastics and earning emission reduction credits.