The report provides an extensive analysis of packaging design for recyclability, examining the mechanics and economics of blown film extrusion, cast film extrusion, bi-axially oriented film extrusion, and thermoforming across three key regions: the United States Gulf Coast (USGC), Western Europe, and China, referencing Q2 2023 pricing data. The report delves into the carbon intensity of these processes measured in tons of CO2 equivalent per ton of produced material. The report covers the fundamentals of the recycling value chain for both mechanical and chemical recycling, analyzing recyclable contents beyond plastic as well, and offering insights into recycling practices for aluminum, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, and glass. The report examines the factors affecting the recyclability of plastic packaging, the obstacles to achieving effective recyclable packaging, touching on technological limitations, regulatory factors, and material availability, and discusses the dynamics of global harmonization and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. The report also analyses various polymer types and their suitability for recycling, building on the earlier discussions of material requirements and recycling challenges.

Market Insights: Biomethane - 2023 provides a review of the global market for biomethane – natural gas produced from biomass, also commonly referred to as Renewable Natural Gas – detailing the product’s emergence as an important tool for the decarbonisation of transport, energy and agriculture. The report includes analysis of market drivers and constraints, supply and demand projections to 2040 by region, and pricing and competitiveness analysis.

The purpose of this report is to analyze developing technologies for the production of biopolyols. Technical and economic aspects of producing biopolyols are explored in detail including cost of production models for key technologies. Production capacity developments, drivers for development, and strategies to increase biorenewable content are also explored.

This report provides a technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory analysis of rPET recycling in the United States Gulf Coast (USGC), Western Europe, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) boasts one of the highest recycling rates among plastics due to its widespread use, especially as bottles, and suitability for mechanical recycling. Its properties allow for repeated reshaping without significant quality loss, enhancing its value in textiles and packaging applications. However, by 2030, rPET demand is set to triple the expected supply. Despite environmental and regulatory pressures, just 27% of PET bottles are recycled, with most ending up in landfills. This report delves into the nuances of PET recycling pathways from mechanical recycling to chemical technologies like solvent-based purification, glycolysis, methanolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis. It offers detailed profiles of industry frontrunners, including technology licensors, owners, operators, and those in advanced robotic sorting, covering the intricacies of each of their operations. The analysis presents the delivered cost of production for each recycling route across the five regions, shedding light on market trends and the economic feasibility of recycling intermediates such as rPET flakes, Bis-Het, and DMT. Additionally, it benchmarks the final rPET pellets against the Q1 2023 virgin PET price for each region.