Summary
This whitepaper presents a comparative framework for assessing pathways to biobased and CO2-based plastics, focusing on their application in a sustainable future. It outlines the necessity of transitioning from fossil feedstocks to renewable carbon sources, such as recycled plastics, biomass, and CO2/hydrogen, to meet the growing demand for plastics while minimizing environmental impact. The document details a three-step framework developed by TNO, which includes searching for options, comparing sustainability and economic feasibility, and deciding on the best pathway for each product. The framework is illustrated with four use cases, including high-density polyethylene in plastic bags and polypropylene in automotive parts, providing a color-coded sustainability impact and economic feasibility score for each. The whitepaper emphasizes the importance of a system perspective in decision-making for stakeholders in the plastics industry, enabling them to make informed choices regarding renewable carbon options and contributing to the transition towards sustainable plastics production.
