Omar Khalid
Plastic is derived from crude oil, natural gas, or coal, with over 99% of plastic made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. The process of creating plastic from oil is complex, and involves drilling, pumping, heating, and distillation. In 2012, plastics accounted for 4% of global oil production, and this figure may have risen to 5-6% in 2019. The International Energy Agency predicts that this figure will rise to almost 50% by the 2050s, despite the fact that the global supply of crude oil is only expected to last until mid-century.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of oil used for plastic production in Europe | 4-6% |
| Worldwide average of oil used for plastic production | 6% |
| Percentage of oil used for plastic production in 2012 | 4% |
| Percentage of oil used for plastic production in 2019 | 5-6% |
| Percentage of oil used for plastic bag production in the US | 8-10% |
| Number of plastic bags used in the US annually | 100 billion |
| Number of barrels of oil used for plastic bag production in the US annually | 12 million |
| Number of plastic bags used by an average American annually | 520 |
| Number of barrels of oil used for plastic water bottle production in the US annually | 17 million |
| Percentage of plastic made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels | 99% |
| Number of tons of plastics that entered markets globally in 2018 | 359 million |
| Percentage of plastic output that goes into packaging | 35-45% |
| Number of tons of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps generated in 2018 | 4,200,000 |
| Percentage of plastic water bottles recycled in the US | <30% |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic production's impact on oil demand
Plastic production and oil demand are closely intertwined. Plastic is made from crude oil, natural gas, or coal, with oil being a significant source of raw material (feedstock). The exact amount of oil used in plastic production is challenging to determine due to the flexibility in feedstock consumption and a lack of detailed data. However, it is estimated that plastic accounts for around 4% to 6% of global oil production, with higher estimates of up to 8% to 10% specifically for plastic bags. This percentage is expected to increase, and the International Energy Agency predicts that plastics will constitute nearly 50% of oil demand by the 2050s.
The process of converting crude oil into plastic is complex and involves several stages. Oil is extracted from underground reserves, transported through pipelines, and then heated and distilled in refineries. The resulting hydrocarbons are further processed to create the basic building blocks for plastics. This conversion of hydrocarbons into chemicals is a crucial step in the production of plastic from oil.
The demand for plastic has significant implications for oil consumption. As the world grapples with plastic pollution, the plastic industry continues to expand, driven by the versatility and durability of plastics. This expansion will increase oil demand, contributing to environmental concerns associated with oil extraction and refining. Additionally, the finite nature of fossil fuels underscores the urgency of exploring alternative feedstocks for plastic production.
The link between plastic production and oil demand has been evident in historical events such as the 1973 U.S. oil crisis. During this period, an embargo on oil by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) resulted in a scarcity and increased cost of oil in the U.S., directly impacting plastic production due to the lack of raw materials. This example illustrates the direct relationship between oil availability and plastic manufacturing.
While the majority of plastic today is synthetic, derived from fossil fuels, there is a growing trend towards biobased plastics. These renewable alternatives are made from waste biomass, animal waste products, carbohydrates, starch, vegetable fats, oils, bacteria, and other biological substances. The increasing demand for limited oil reserves is driving the need for these newer plastics, and the use of bioplastics is already on the rise. However, challenges remain, including the high costs and fragility of bioplastics, as well as the presence of fossil fuels in the creation of raw biological materials.
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$52.65
Synthetic plastic's origin from petrochemicals
Plastic can be categorised as either synthetic or biobased. Synthetic plastics are derived from petrochemicals, which are sourced from fossil fuels. Synthetic plastics are created from crude oil, natural gas, or coal. Crude oil is a mixture of hundreds of hydrocarbons that contain some solids and gaseous hydrocarbons from the alkane family. The distillation of crude oil produces petroleum gas, gasoline, paraffin (kerosene), naphtha, light oil, and heavy oil, among other petrochemicals. After distillation, the long-chain hydrocarbons are converted into simpler hydrocarbons that can be used to make plastic.
The production of synthetic plastics from crude oil involves drilling holes through rocks to extract the oil. The oil is then pumped through pipelines to a refinery, where it undergoes distillation. The distillation process separates the crude oil into different fractions based on weight and boiling point. The lightest fractions, such as gasoline and petroleum gas, flow to the top of the tower, while heavier liquids like gas oils separate lower down, and the heaviest fractions, solids, remain at the base. Each fraction contains hydrocarbons with a similar number of carbon atoms, with smaller molecules towards the top and longer molecules towards the bottom.
The next step in the process is the "cracking" of hydrocarbons. This can be done through steam cracking or catalytic cracking. Steam cracking uses high temperatures and pressure to break down the hydrocarbon chains, while catalytic cracking uses a catalyst to allow the process to occur at lower temperatures and pressures. The raw material used in this process is typically naphtha and natural gas from oil refining operations. Naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock, is a crucial intermediate product in the process of converting crude oil into plastics.
The production of synthetic plastics from petrochemicals has been a significant industry, especially during World War II, when plastics were used in military vehicles and radar insulation. However, the growing awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution and the limited oil reserves have led to a push for bio-derived plastics. Despite this, synthetic plastics still dominate the market due to the ease of manufacturing methods and the flexibility of the petrochemical industry in consuming feedstock.
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Oil extraction and transportation
The drilling process, known as "upstream," is one of the three main services in the oil industry. Oil rigs and platforms are used to drill long holes into the earth, and geologists play a crucial role in locating oil reservoirs through seismic surveys and other methods. After an oil well has been tapped, holes are made in the well's base to enable oil extraction. A collection of valves, known as a "Christmas tree," is fitted to regulate pressure and control the oil flow.
During the primary recovery stage, natural mechanisms such as water displacement, gas expansion, and gravity drainage help move oil towards the well for extraction. However, as reservoir pressure decreases over time, secondary recovery methods are employed. These involve injecting fluids, such as water, steam, acids, or gas mixtures, to increase reservoir pressure and enhance extraction rates. Secondary recovery techniques, including water injection, gas reinjection, and gas lift, aim to improve the mobility of the oil-gas mixture.
Once the oil is extracted, it is transported via pipelines or oil tankers to refineries. The transportation process is crucial but hazardous, with a significant number of work-related fatalities attributed to transportation incidents. To address this, safety measures and policies have been implemented to minimise risks. Oil spills during transportation can have immediate and long-term environmental consequences, further emphasising the importance of safe handling and transportation.
At the refinery, the oil undergoes distillation to separate its different fractions, transforming it into higher-value products. This process involves heating the oil, causing it to separate into fractions with similar carbon atom counts. The lightest fractions, such as gasoline and petroleum gas, rise to the top, while heavier liquids and solids with higher boiling points remain at the base. The resulting hydrocarbons are then converted into various chemicals used in products ranging from plastics to pharmaceuticals.
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Oil refining and distillation
Synthetic plastics are derived from crude oil, natural gas, or coal. Crude oil is a mixture of hundreds of hydrocarbons that also contain some solids and gaseous hydrocarbons from the alkane family. After crude oil is extracted, it is transported to an oil refiner.
The process of refining crude oil involves separating the different components of the oil through distillation. The lightest fractions, such as gasoline and petroleum gas, flow to the top of the tower, while heavier liquids, like gas oils, separate lower down, and the heaviest fractions (solids) remain at the base of the tower. This process results in the production of various petroleum products, including gasoline, paraffin (kerosene), naphtha, light oil, and heavy oil.
Naphtha, a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from the distillation of crude oil, is a crucial feedstock for the petrochemical industry. It serves as a raw material for the production of ethylene and propylene, which are essential for making oil-based plastic. Through the process of cracking, the long-chain hydrocarbons obtained from distillation are broken down into simpler molecules. This can be achieved through steam cracking or catalytic cracking, which utilizes high temperatures and pressures to produce alkenes and alkanes.
The resulting low relative molecular mass alkenes and alkanes are then converted into monomers such as ethylene, propylene, and butene. These monomers undergo polymerization, where they are chemically linked together to produce polymers. This process generates thick, viscous substances known as resins, which are used to create plastic products.
It is important to note that while crude oil is a source of raw material for plastic production, it is not the primary source in the United States. Natural gas and feedstocks derived from natural gas processing and crude oil refining are the main sources of feedstock for plastics production.
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Plastic production's environmental impact
Plastic is derived from crude oil, natural gas, or coal. The production of plastic has a significant environmental impact. Firstly, the extraction process of crude oil and natural gas can lead to oil spills and the release of toxins, causing damage to ecosystems and human health. The refining process also emits greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
Secondly, the use of plastic products exposes people to toxic additives and microplastics, which can contaminate the environment and enter the food chain. These microplastics and chemicals can have severe impacts on human health, leading to chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
Thirdly, the disposal of plastic waste is a major challenge. Landfilling and incineration can lead to environmental injustices, with incinerators disproportionately located near communities of colour and low-income populations. Recycling, while a potential solution, is often unprofitable and challenging due to the low commercial value of recycled plastics. As a result, only a small percentage of plastic is recycled, and the rest is often landfilled, leaked into the environment, or incinerated.
Finally, the growing demand for plastic is driving the expansion of plastic production infrastructure, increasing pollution risks and undermining efforts to combat the plastic crisis. With the projected increase in plastic production, the associated greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise significantly by 2030 and 2050.
To mitigate these environmental impacts, systemic shifts are necessary, such as the use of bio-based feedstocks, zero-carbon energy sources in manufacturing, and a comprehensive assessment of the lifecycle environmental impacts of plastic alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the production of plastic does deplete oil. Plastic is made from petrochemicals, which are sourced from fossil fuels. Crude oil is a source of raw material for making plastics, but it is not the major source in the United States. Natural gas and other feedstocks derived from natural gas processing and crude oil refining are also used.
It is difficult to determine the exact amount of oil used to produce plastic. However, it is estimated that plastic accounts for about 4-6% of global oil production. In 2010, approximately 191 million barrels of LPG and NGL were used for plastic production, along with 412 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
The plastic and oil industries are deeply interconnected. The demand for plastic drives a significant demand for oil, as plastic is made from petrochemicals derived from crude oil.
Yes, there are alternatives to using oil for plastic production. Bioplastics, for example, are made from renewable resources such as waste biomass, animal waste, and other biological substances. However, bioplastics currently face challenges such as high production costs and fragility.
Using oil for plastic production has significant environmental impacts. Plastic pollution is a major global issue, as plastics take a long time to decompose naturally and only a small proportion of plastic is recycled. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of oil carry risks of spillage, which can have immediate and long-term environmental consequences.
