A life-cycle perspective for analyzing carbon neutrality potential of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics in China. (1st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Jianwen; Zhou, Ya; Cai, Yanpeng; Wang, Xuan; Li, Chunhui; Liu, Qiang
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 330(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Subjects: Plastics -- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -- Carbon neutrality -- Carbon footprint -- Greenhouse gas -- China; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129872
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Production, consumption, and disposal of plastics are associated with the generation of a large amount of greenhouse gas (GHG). Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastics, which is mainly produced and consumed by China and causing increasing concerns. The previous studies mainly focused on flows and stocks of PET. Detailed information on GHG emissions for the entire life cycle of PET in China is limited. Particularly, the key paths of emission reduction for life-cycle PET considering carbon neutrality are unknown. In this research, a network analysis system and model of GHG emissions were developed for PET in China and helping explore characteristics of GHG emissions over the three development periods of the PET industry. The results showed that the most potential stage of carbon neutrality for PET was the stage of PET production, accounting for approximately 74.9% over 2000 to 2018. The manufacturing process of PET fibers and bottles would have a major contribution to GHG emissions. At the same time, GHG emissions from the mechanical recovery process should not be ignored. The plastic restriction order for PET and the waste treatment ways of low-carbon would have a significant contribution to emission reduction. According to the results, this study identified the most potential key process of carbon neutrality in the PET life cycle and proposed policies to reduce GHG emissions, which would provide scientific support for the PET industry to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality in China. Highlights: A comprehensive model for quantifying GHG emissions in PET life-cycle is developed. The P stage of PET (74.9%) is the main source of GHG emissions in 2000–2018. The M process of PET fibers has a major contribution to GHG emissions in M stage. The plastic limit order in China has a significant effect on reducing GHG emissions.