The transformation of plastics production from net positive greenhouse gas emissions to net negative: An environmental sustainability assessment of CO2-based polypropylene. Issue 52 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kuusela, K.; Uusitalo, V.; Ahola, J.; Levänen, J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of CO₂ utilization. Issue 52(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Power-to-plastics -- Polypropylene -- Electrolysis -- Global warming potential; Carbon dioxide -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects; Carbon dioxide mitigation; Periodicals; 628.53205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2021.101672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-9820

Abstract

Highlights: Polypropylene production based on renewable electricity and CO2 was assessed. Polypropylene production can lead to net negative greenhouse gas emissions. This will lead to greenhouse gas emissions reduction when replacing fossil plastics. In long term applications carbon can be stored from atmosphere to products. Abstract: The production of plastics is heavily dependent upon fossil feedstocks, thus contributing to global warming. Power-to-X technologies provide new routes to chemicals and plastics production from captured CO 2 and renewable electricity. In this study, CO 2 -based polypropylene production via the methanol-to-olefins route is investigated. The main questions are twofold: 1) whether CO 2 -based polypropylene could be produced with negative net greenhouse gas emissions; and 2) if there is a risk that power-to-polypropylene production would lead to increased land use and water consumption. We performed a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment with GaBi software to assess the global warming potential, land use and water consumption of CO 2 -based polypropylene. The net global warming potential of power-topolypropylene was found to be negative (-0.35 kgCO 2eq kg -1), meaning that more CO 2 from air is embedded in the polypropylene than is emitted during its production.Compared to fossil polypropylene production, power-to-polypropylene has little effect on water consumption but may lead to increased land use, especially through renewable power consumption. It seems that power-to- polypropylene production does have the potential to transform polypropylene production from being a carbon source to having a net negative global warming potential, which globally could play a significant role in climate change mitigation. A long-term carbon sink effect can be possible, if polypropylene is used in durable long-term applications, such as in infrastructure and construction, and its incineration and release of carbon can be avoided.