Global Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Supply Chain Resource Metabolism Efficiency and Carbon Emissions Co-Reduction Strategies

Abstract

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used as a primary plastic packaging material in the global socio-economic system. However, research on the metabolic characteristics of the PET industry across different countries, particularly regarding the entire life cycle supply chain of PET, remains insufficient, significantly hindering progress in addressing plastic pollution worldwide. This study employs the Life Cycle Assessment-Material Flow Analysis (LCA-MFA) method to comprehensively analyze the environmental impacts of PET plastics, with a focus on the processes from production to disposal in 12 regions (covering 41 countries) in 2020. By constructing 13 scenarios and analyzing the development trajectory of PET plastics from 2020 to 2030, this study provides scientific evidence and specific strategies for waste reduction and emission reduction measures in the PET industry. Overall, in 2020, the 12 regions (41 countries) consumed 7297.7 kilotons (kt) of virgin PET resin and 1189.4 kt of recycled PET resin; 23% of plastic waste was manufactured into recycled PET materials, 42% went to landfills, and 35% was incinerated. In 2020, the entire PET plastic supply chain emitted approximately 534.6 million tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, with production emissions accounting for 46.1%, manufacturing stage emissions accounting for 44.7%, and waste treatment stage emissions accounting for 9.2%. Research indicates that under a scenario of controlled demand, resource efficiency improvement and emission reduction are the most effective, potentially reducing carbon emissions by up to 40%.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Recycled by Catalytic Glycolysis: A Bridge toward Circular Economy Principles

“…For example, it has been predicted that, out of every million PET plastic bottles sold globally every minute, more than 90% ultimately end up in landfills or the ocean, taking hundreds of years for PET to fully decompose in the environment [17,28]. In 2020, 7297.7 kilotons of PET were consumed worldwide, with just 23% recycled, 35% incinerated, and 44% landfilled or disposed into the environment, according to a study conducted across 12 global regions (41 countries that, together, manufacture over 95% of the world's PET) [29]. Also, through partial decomposition, PET-derived microplastics indeed become Hence, PET's popularity as a packaging material stems from several properties, such as transparency, food safety, cleanliness, impact strength, UV resistance, durability, costeffectiveness, and barrier properties [13,24,25].…”

Gradient Pore-Structured Polymeric Fibrous Aerogels for Effective Low-Frequency Noise Absorption

“…37,38 The global demand for PET and PVDF was 27 million and 80,000 t, respectively, in 2020. 39,40 The comprehensive recycling of these plastic wastes is still a challenge. The current situation demands the reuse or upcycling of these plastics more cleverly by environmentally conscious and cost-effective methods.…”