Decarbonizing the Global Chemicals Industry: The Role of Biomass, Plastic Waste, and Captured Carbon Dioxide
The global chemicals industry plays a significant role in our everyday lives, providing the building blocks for countless products we use on a daily basis. However, this industry also has a substantial carbon footprint, with the majority of chemicals being produced from fossil fuel-based feedstocks and processes.
A recent report from the Royal Society highlights the potential for decarbonizing the chemicals industry by shifting towards alternative feedstocks such as biomass, plastic waste, and captured carbon dioxide. These alternative sources could provide a greener source of carbon, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to decarbonize a range of consumer products.
While the chemicals industry faces challenges in fully decarbonizing due to the essential nature of carbon atoms in most chemicals, the report emphasizes the importance of finding alternative feedstocks to reduce emissions. Professor Graham Hutchings stresses the need for “green carbon” and highlights the importance of research and development in key chemistry fields like catalysis, as well as the expansion of renewable energy and green hydrogen.
The report also underscores the critical role that industry collaboration and government support will play in navigating the transition away from fossil-based chemicals. With demand for embedded carbon in chemicals expected to double by 2050, efforts to curb reliance on fossil fuel feedstocks and energy-intensive production processes are essential to meeting net zero emissions targets.
Overall, the report presents a compelling case for the potential of biomass, plastic waste, captured carbon, hydrogen, and renewables to play a major role in reducing emissions across the chemicals sector. As research and development in alternative feedstocks advance, opportunities for sustainable practices and technologies will continue to grow, paving the way for a more sustainable future for the global chemicals industry.