Replacing Plastics with Alternatives is Worse for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Got your attention? Read on.

A recent study completed by the team of Fanran Meng, Miguel Brandao, and Jonathan M. Cullen [1] provocatively claims that, on the basis of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG),

“…in 15 of 16 applications a plastic product incurs fewer GHG emissions than their alternatives.” “Plastic products release 10 to 90% fewer emissions across the life cycle,” and specifically for “food packaging, no suitable alternatives to plastic exist.”

Those are some substantial claims. Sounds like the opposite of what you’re told, pretty much on a daily basis, by news and social media platforms. How can that be? Let’s unpack this study to find out.

We can all certainly agree that reducing plastic use is predicated on the availability of suitable alternatives. Plastics are responsible for 4.5% of global GHG emissions, according to Stegmann et al [2]. In response, politicians from many governments implemented a ban on plastic bags and straws, basking righteously in their decisions. Paper has been deemed the replacement material of choice, but paper can incur greater emissions during manufacture and use. On a lifecycle basis, the climate impact of paper bags and straws does not satisfy expectations.

The authors studied plastics in 5 market sectors and 16 applications, representing 90% of the estimated 300 million tons of annual plastic demand. Here’s a selection of their findings:

Preconceptions about zero plastic being the solution are dispelled by these data. While they are not absolute across all applications, GHG emissions from plastic are shown to be lower than their next best alternatives.

The study is not the final word on plastics and, while aluminum and glass dominate recycling programs, and plastics disposal continues irresponsibly, they remain in the mix to mitigate emissions and other impacts.

Keep an open mind as this and other forthcoming research dispel the pronouncements of your favorite late-night TV host or Sunday morning talking head.

Want to learn more about the responsible manufacturing and recycling of plastics? Reach out for an initial consultation today.