The power of good decisions: Promoting eco-informed design attitudes in plastic selection and use

Abstract

Substitution of one plastic for a greener option with a similar application-specific property profile requires no new technology or process modifications and provides instant, undisruptive environmental benefit without compromising product function. We investigated current polymer production trends and possible economic and environmental benefits achievable through eco-informed polymer selection at the manufacturing and recycling or incineration stages. Polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride and polylactide were identified as eco-preferred polymers across multiple applications. Reductions of up to 69%, 72% and 85% in fossil depletion, energy resources and climate change potential were associated with the manufacturing of these polymers over application-specific alternative polymers, respectively. Recycling of these polymers also required 49% less energy and 63% less carbon dioxide than application-specific alternative polymers. Eco-informed polymer selection coupled with recycling can deliver considerable environmental benefits in existing industry, right now at negligible additional cost and is critical to achieving rapidly approaching climate targets.