3 key reasons why the world needs bio-based plastics
Neste Corporation News 19 December, 2018
While general public discussion continues to circulate around plastics-related challenges or even threats, it is important to remember why the world still needs plastics. In order to make sure plastics can continue being used where they are necessary, sustainably-produced, bio-based plastics can help reduce some of the sustainability challenges. Here are our top three reasons why bio-based plastics are needed and how they can benefit society:
1. To combat climate change by reducing crude oil dependency
Bio-based plastics help replace conventional plastics produced from crude oil. This enables companies producing and consuming plastics to reduce their crude oil dependency and greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously. Products consisting of bio-based plastics have a lower carbon footprint than those of conventional plastics.
Did you know…? Bio-based plastics produced from Neste’s renewable hydrocarbons can be used to make parts for cars, packaging, consumer goods and electronics, sporting goods, and much more.
2. To help the plastics industry improve its sustainability
Globally, 300 million tons of plastics are consumed every year. Although it is necessary to reconsider where plastics are truly needed and where they could be eliminated to reduce marine litter, for example, plastic consumption and production are expected to grow globally. Food and pharmaceutical industries, for example, rely on plastics to make sure their products are safe to use and consume. Plastic packaging helps prevent food waste, which WWF identifies as both a humanitarian concern and driver of climate change. They say food waste creates about 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. So, not all plastics are “bad”...as long as they are efficiently recycled instead of tossed into the environment.
Did you know...? Bio-based plastics derived from Neste’s renewable hydrocarbons are suitable for food and pharmaceutical packaging even when produced from waste and residue fats. Our pre-treatment processes and proprietary NEXBTL refining technology together with plastics production processes remove the impurities of the bio-based raw materials so that none can be found in the end products.
3. To accelerate circular economy and to boost plastics recycling
Bio-based plastics produced from Neste’s renewable hydrocarbons are reusable and eventually also easily recyclable both mechanically and chemically. This supports, even accelerates, circularity of plastics. It also helps tackle the global plastics waste challenge.
Did you know…? When eventually incinerated at the end of their life cycle, plastics with bio-content help reduce negative impact of incineration to climate change by releasing and circulating renewable carbon to the atmosphere, not adding new carbon from fossil sources.
Further information:
Difference between bio-based and biodegradable plastics
Neste in brief
Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates sustainable solutions for transport, business, and consumer needs. Our wide range of renewable products enable our customers to reduce climate emissions. We are the world's largest producer of renewable diesel refined from waste and residues, introducing renewable solutions also to the aviation and plastics industries. We are also a technologically advanced refiner of high-quality oil products. We want to be a reliable partner with widely valued expertise, research, and sustainable operations. In 2017, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 13.2 billion. In 2018, Neste placed 2nd on the Global 100 list of the most sustainable companies in the world. Read more: neste.com