The Plastic-Oil Nexus: A Barrel's Worth Of Plastic

Plastic is a highly versatile material with applications in healthcare and consumer goods. However, it has a serious environmental impact, with only a small amount of plastic being recycled globally. The amount of plastic produced from a barrel of oil is difficult to determine, as it depends on various factors, including the type of oil and the efficiency of the process. While crude oil is a source of raw material for plastic production, it is not the primary source in the United States, with natural gas and refined feedstocks also being used. In 2012, plastic accounted for about 4% of global oil production, and this figure may have increased since then. The environmental concerns and rising oil prices have led to a reevaluation of petroleum-based plastics, with bioplastics emerging as a promising alternative.

Plastic bags: 12 million barrels of oil for US bags annually

Plastic bags and petroleum are closely linked. About 8% to 10% of our total oil supply goes into making plastic. In the US, it is estimated that 12 million barrels of oil are used annually to produce plastic bags. This amounts to the US discarding around 100 billion plastic bags each year, with the average American throwing out about 10 bags per week, or 520 bags per year. This is the fuel equivalent of driving 60 miles.

The issue of plastic bags is a serious one, as they cause significant pollution and take a long time to decompose naturally. In 2015, approximately 730,000 tons of plastic bags were generated in the US, with more than 87% of these items ending up in landfills and the ocean instead of being recycled. The US is not alone in this issue, as plastic pollution is a global problem. In 2012, plastic production accounted for about 4% of global oil production, and this figure may have risen to 5-6% by 2019.

The advantages of plastics, such as their low cost and durability, continue to drive demand despite efforts by governments to curb the use of single-use plastics. While the term "single-use plastics" often brings to mind shopping bags, it also includes medical consumables and packaging for various consumer products, such as electronics, fruit, and drinks.

To address the problem of plastic pollution, some suggest implementing measures such as making customers pay for packaging and enforcing worldwide plastic recycling. Additionally, anti-plastic campaigns, like the one led by the Daily Mail newspaper in London, have shown positive outcomes in reducing plastic consumption and waste.

Plastic packaging: 35-45% of global plastic output

Plastic is a versatile and inexpensive material that has become an integral part of our daily lives. It is used in a wide range of applications, from packaging to construction, and its production is closely linked to the oil industry.

Plastic production: 4% of global oil production

Plastic production is a major contributor to the world's dependence on petroleum-based products. In 2012, plastics accounted for about 4% of global oil production. This figure may have risen to 5-6% in 2019, and it is likely to be even higher today. This equates to approximately 191 million barrels of LPG and NGL used for plastic production, alongside 412 billion cubic feet of natural gas.

The advantages of plastics are clear: they are cheap, durable, and versatile, finding applications in healthcare and consumer goods. However, the environmental toll of plastic production is immense. Plastics cause serious pollution and take a long time to decompose naturally, with only a small amount being recycled. The production process also contributes to carbon emissions, and microplastics contaminate water bodies.

The core of plastic production is a crude oil component called 'naphtha', which generally constitutes between 15-30% of crude oil by weight. The price of oil directly affects the cost of plastic production, and as oil prices rise, so too do the costs of producing petroleum-based plastics. This has led to a reevaluation of the economics behind plastics and a search for alternatives, such as bioplastics.

Bioplastics offer a reduced carbon footprint and a lesser environmental impact, aligning more closely with sustainability objectives. They require less energy to produce and have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As the financial landscape for plastics shifts, bioplastics are becoming an increasingly financially prudent choice, as well as an environmentally responsible one.

Plastic alternatives: bioplastics have a lower environmental impact

Plastic is a significant contributor to environmental pollution and global warming. Plastic production accounts for about 4% of global oil production, with some estimates placing the figure at 5-6%. This, coupled with the fact that plastic takes an extremely long time to decompose naturally, has led to a search for alternatives.

Bioplastics are increasingly being considered as a viable alternative to conventional plastics. They are polymeric compounds that are both functionally similar to synthetic plastics and largely environmentally sustainable. Bioplastics are derived from renewable biomass sources like plants, algae, and microorganisms. They have a lower carbon footprint, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They are also biodegradable, which helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste.

The use of bioplastics has a positive impact on the environment. They use plant starches and microbial fermentation to reduce fossil fuel use. For example, a novel bioplastic derived from crab shells and tree fibers can be used as an alternative to the flexible plastic packaging used to keep food fresh. This new packaging is more effective and safer for containing liquids and foods, with a 73% reduction in oxygen permeability, thereby keeping food fresh for longer.

However, bioplastics also have some drawbacks. They are not as robust as fossil-based polymers, and their production has been linked to important environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and unfavorable land use change. Growing bioplastic feedstock can also reduce the amount of land available for food production.

Despite these limitations, the adoption of bioplastics is driven by high consumer demand for sustainable plastics, OEM sustainability targets, and global legislation. The global bioplastics market is projected to reach $29.8 billion by 2030. Bioplastics are a step in the right direction towards creating a sustainable plastics solution that maintains the durability and convenience of traditional plastic products.

Plastic recycling: only a small amount of global plastic is recycled

Plastic recycling is a significant step towards reducing our ecological footprint and protecting the environment. However, the reality is that only a small amount of plastic is recycled globally. Several factors contribute to this issue. Firstly, the recycling capacity in many regions is inadequate to manage the volume and types of plastic waste generated. This limitation has led to most plastic waste ending up in landfills, oceans, or being incinerated.

The properties of plastics themselves pose another challenge to recycling. While about 75% of global plastics are thermoplastics that can be recycled by melting and remoulding, the remaining 25% are thermoset plastics that are challenging to recycle due to their heat-resistant nature. Examples of products containing thermoset plastics include electrical insulation, ropes, belts, and pipes. Additionally, plastic with food residues or impurities is often deemed unfit for recycling, further reducing the amount of recyclable material.

The cost of recycling is also a significant barrier. In many cases, disposing of plastic waste in landfills is cheaper than recycling it due to the high costs associated with sorting and processing recyclable materials. According to estimates, disposing of waste in a landfill in the US costs around $60 per ton, while sorting and recycling one ton of curbside recycling can cost up to $120.

Furthermore, the data on global recycling levels is challenging to compare due to variations in measurement methods and the presence of illegal and unofficial plastic dumping. Accurate data on the origin and amount of feedstocks used in plastic production is also limited, making it difficult to determine the precise amount of oil used for plastic manufacturing.

To address the issue of low plastic recycling rates, a multifaceted approach is necessary. While recycling remains crucial, there is a growing need for new and alternative solutions to prevent and reduce plastic waste. This includes encouraging businesses, consumers, and policymakers to work together to find sustainable solutions, such as reducing plastic packaging and enforcing plastic recycling worldwide. Additionally, initiatives like CleanHub support brands in making a positive impact on plastic recycling and waste reduction.

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